Get ready to fall in love with a delicious classic: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite. Imagine tender chicken pieces tossed with golden pasta, all swirled together in a rich, velvety pesto sauce, dotted with plump cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. This dish is immensely satisfying, bursting with color, flavor, and just enough Italian flair to make any night feel special. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight, but tastes like something you’d serve at a celebratory family dinner. If you crave big flavor and the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table smiling, this is the recipe for you.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite is all in the simple, fresh ingredients that work so well together. Each one plays a key role—from tender chunks of chicken to the bold pop of pesto and the creamy sauce that ties it all together.

Penne Pasta: Sturdy enough to hold the sauce, with those perfect little ridges that catch every bit of flavor.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken get that delicious golden sear.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean, tender, and the main protein star of this pasta.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the cooking water for pasta—don’t skimp!
Black Pepper: Just enough to bring gentle heat and depth to the chicken.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings a fragrant punch that’s impossible to resist.
Heavy Cream: The backbone of that luscious, velvety sauce you’ll want to lick off your plate.
Chicken Broth: Adds a savory base and helps lighten up the creaminess, so it’s flavorful but never heavy.
Basil Pesto: All the magic of summer—herby, garlicky, and just the right amount of nutty.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Savory, salty, and the perfect way to finish and thicken the sauce.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness balances the rich sauce; go for ripe and colorful if you can.
Baby Spinach: Adds vibrant color and tender greens that wilt perfectly into the warm pasta.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a little kick, sprinkle these on just before serving.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until just al dente—remember, you want it to have a little bite since it will cook a bit more in the sauce later. Drain the pasta, reserving a splash of cooking water in case you want to loosen the sauce later, then set the pasta aside while you tackle the rest of the recipe.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan—you’ll hear that glorious sizzle. Cook for about six to eight minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and goes golden on the edges. This step is where you lock in that juicy, savory flavor.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Give it a minute to become fragrant (careful not to let it burn). Now pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then gently stir everything together. Let it all come to a gentle simmer so the sauce starts to thicken—don’t rush! Patience here means maximum silkiness in each bite.

Step 4: Add Pesto and Parmesan

Once the cream and broth have melded, stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan. Watch the sauce transform, turning beautifully green and irresistibly creamy. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding that unmistakable umami richness that makes every bite special in this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite.

Step 5: Finish with Veggies and Pasta

Add the halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach to the skillet, stirring just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly. Nestle the drained penne pasta right into that vibrant sauce, tossing everything to coat. If the sauce seems a little thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will help. Serve immediately, piping hot, for the freshest flavors!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite

Garnishes

A shower of extra Parmesan cheese on top is always a crowd-pleaser. If you love a little heat and color, sprinkle on red pepper flakes. For an extra pop of freshness, a scattering of torn basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil makes your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Balance out the richness with a crisp green salad—think arugula or mixed spring greens with a simple vinaigrette. Warm garlic bread or even a loaf of crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. If you want a little something extra, serve steamed or roasted vegetables alongside for a wholesome family meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or just feeling fancy, try plating this pasta in shallow bowls, topped with a twirl of pesto and a dusting of cheese. For a casual buffet, keep the pasta in a large serving dish and garnish liberally with all your favorite toppings. Individual ramekins or mini casseroles make for a fun twist—everyone feels special with their own creamy portion of Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making lunch or tomorrow’s dinner just as satisfying as the first time around. When you need a quick, cozy meal, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite never disappoints.

Freezing

If you want to freeze a batch, portion it out into freezer-safe containers. Pasta with creamy sauces can be a little finicky in the freezer, but this dish holds up better than most. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results, and expect the spinach to soften a bit when reheated—that’s all part of the homemade charm!

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave for a couple minutes, adding a splash of cream or milk if it seems dry. On the stovetop, warm gently over low heat, stirring and adding liquid as needed to bring the sauce back to creamy life. Try to avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne works beautifully because it grabs onto the sauce, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, bow ties, or even spaghetti—whatever you have in your pantry will work just fine for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite.

What kind of pesto is best?

Store-bought basil pesto is super convenient and delicious, but if you have time, homemade pesto elevates the flavor even more. Just make sure whichever you choose is vibrant and fresh—it’s the backbone of your sauce!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Certainly! Swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies like zucchini and bell pepper. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a creamy, meatless pesto pasta that’s just as comforting.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

Reserve a bit of your pasta cooking water before draining—it’s perfect for loosening a sauce without thinning out the flavor. Add a tablespoon or two as needed when tossing the pasta with the sauce for that perfect, silky consistency.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy, cheesy sauce is a big hit with kids, and the vegetables can be adjusted based on picky palates. Just go easy on the red pepper flakes when serving Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite to little ones.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a big, beautiful bowl of Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite with people you love. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, I hope you find as much joy in every creamy, herby bite as I do. Give this one a try and watch it become a regular request at your table!

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a comforting family favorite that combines tender chicken, flavorful basil pesto, and creamy sauce tossed with penne pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta

Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional:

1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
2 cups baby spinach
Optional: red pepper flakes for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water, drain, and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Sauté seasoned chicken pieces until golden. Add garlic, then pour in cream and broth.
Make the Sauce: Stir in pesto and Parmesan until smooth. Add tomatoes and spinach.
Combine: Toss in cooked pasta until coated. Serve hot with Parmesan and red pepper flakes.