Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
If you are searching for a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures in every bite, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect union of tender chicken, al dente pasta, vibrant basil pesto, and a luscious creamy sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends over the weekend, this recipe brings warmth and joy straight to your table with each mouthwatering forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each plays a vital role: from the tender chicken chunks providing protein, to the fresh basil pesto infusing herbaceous brightness, and the cheeses delivering that irresistible gooey texture and deep flavor.
- ½ pound Penne pasta: Its tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully for a perfect bite every time.
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil: Enhances flavor and helps cook the garlic and chicken evenly without sticking.
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that elevates the savory profile of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and depth to the chicken.
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks: The main protein, tender and quick to cook.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to boost all the flavors harmoniously.
- 2 tablespoons Butter: Creates a silky base for our creamy sauce.
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a luxurious consistency.
- 1 cup Chicken broth: Adds savory richness and balances the creaminess.
- 1 cup Half and half or all milk/cream: Provides the luscious, smooth texture that defines this dish.
- ½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty finish that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- 1 cup Freshly shredded Mozzarella: Creates that melty, comforting cheese pull we all love.
- ½ cup Basil pesto, or more, to taste: The star herbaceous flavor that brings freshness and a punch of color.
- Fresh basil for garnish, if desired: A bright and fragrant finishing touch that adds beauty and an extra flavor kick.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt here is key to seasoning your pasta from within. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente—just firm enough to have a slight bite but not mushy. Drain it well and set aside. This will be the ideal base to soak up all the creamy pesto goodness later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, letting the aroma fill your kitchen as they gently cook. Add the cubed chicken breast, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken pieces are no longer pink in the center and have developed a light golden exterior. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate; you’ll add it back in at the perfect moment.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce Base
Next, melt the butter in the same skillet. Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste—this step is crucial to avoid lumps in your sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and half and half while whisking constantly. Allow this mixture to simmer gently, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a creamy, velvety sauce that coats the back of your spoon.
Step 4: Blend in Pesto and Cheeses
Lower the heat and stir in the basil pesto, freshly grated Parmesan, and shredded Mozzarella. Watch as the cheeses melt seamlessly into the sauce, creating that rich texture that’s truly irresistible. The vibrant green pesto swirls through the creamy base, promising an herbaceous depth in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece of penne is lavishly coated in the creamy pesto sauce and studded with tender chicken chunks. This is where flavors truly marry together to create a comforting masterpiece.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot
Finish by topping your pasta with freshly chopped basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper. This adds a fresh, vibrant pop and a touch of heat to balance the creamy elements. Serve it while hot, and prepare to indulge in a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the classic choice, bringing bright color and a refreshing herbal note. You can also sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese on top for an extra savory boost. If you like a little crunch, toasted pine nuts scattered over the top lend a lovely textural contrast that works beautifully here.
Side Dishes
This pasta is quite rich and filling, so pairing it with something light but complementary is ideal. A crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette provides a perfect balance. Garlic bread or a simple bruschetta also make excellent accompaniments if you want to keep things indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a small dollop of extra pesto on top. Garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers adds an elegant touch when entertaining guests. If you want to change things up, use fusilli or farfalle pasta instead of penne for an interesting texture variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it an even tastier meal the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so without the fresh basil garnish. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When thawing, defrost overnight in the refrigerator for even reheating. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat your creamy chicken pesto pasta, warm it gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Microwaving also works—cover the dish to prevent drying out and heat in short bursts, stirring in between until piping hot and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is excellent for holding the sauce, other short pastas like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle work just as well. Even long noodles like fettuccine can be delicious, though they won’t trap the sauce in the same way.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the chicken and add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers instead. Using vegetable broth in the sauce keeps it vegetarian while preserving the rich flavor.
How spicy is this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe?
This dish is mild and comforting rather than spicy, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic and chicken step if you want a bit of heat. Freshly ground black pepper also adds a gentle kick.
What type of pesto is best for this recipe?
Traditional basil pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil is ideal. However, you can experiment with other pesto varieties like sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for a different flavor profile.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook the pasta and chicken earlier in the day and refrigerate them. Just wait to make and combine the sauce before serving so everything stays fresh and creamy. This helps save time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for everyday cooking but special enough for any occasion. Its combination of comforting creaminess, vibrant herbs, and satisfying chicken makes every bite a little celebration. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish combining tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a luscious homemade pesto cream sauce enriched with Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- ½ pound Penne pasta (about 2 ½ cups dry)
- Salt, for pasta water
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Half and half (or milk/cream)
- ½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Freshly shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Basil pesto (or more, to taste)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half and half, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the basil pesto, grated Parmesan, and shredded Mozzarella cheeses into the thickened sauce until fully melted and combined. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, stirring well to coat everything evenly with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy chicken pesto pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute rotini or fusilli pasta if penne is not available.
- Adjust the amount of pesto to your taste preference for a stronger or milder herb flavor.
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of half and half or cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Fresh basil garnish adds a lovely aroma and visual appeal but is optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
