If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances rich, savory flavors with a fresh herbal twist, then look no further than this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe. This recipe brings together tender chunks of chicken, luxuriously creamy sauce, and the bright, nutty notes of pesto, all harmonized with hearty pasta. It’s comfort food with a gourmet touch, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this dish quickly becomes a favorite in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients is all it takes to create this unforgettable pasta dish. Each element plays a role in building a balance of creamy texture, vibrant color, and satisfying heartiness that makes this recipe shine.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choosing fresh chicken ensures tender, juicy bites throughout the pasta.
- Fresh garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic base that elevates the sauce’s depth.
- Fettuccine or penne pasta: Pick your favorite shape for soak-worthy sauce coverage.
- Heavy cream: Gives the dish its signature velvety, rich consistency.
- Pesto sauce: Whether store-bought or homemade, brings that fresh, vibrant basil flavor that defines the dish.
- Parmesan cheese: A nutty finish and natural thickener for the sauce.
- Olive oil: For sautéeing chicken to perfect golden-brown perfection.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds subtle umami complexity without overpowering the pesto’s brightness.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Garlic
Start by chopping the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, making every forkful easy to enjoy. Mince the fresh garlic finely so it thoroughly infuses the sauce with its wonderful fragrance.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your chicken pieces. Season them with salt and pepper, then cook until they are golden brown and cooked through—about 6 to 7 minutes. This step locks in the juices, giving the chicken a perfect texture and flavor foundation.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Once the chicken is nearly done, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for about one minute until it becomes fragrant, releasing that aromatic essence that pairs beautifully with the pesto.
Step 4: Combine Cream and Pesto
Pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and fully combined, enveloping the chicken pieces in a luscious embrace.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente—it should be tender but still have a slight chew. Drain the pasta, saving a little of the pasta water, which helps adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
Step 6: Toss Pasta in the Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce and chicken. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly with sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until it reaches your perfect sauce consistency.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop of flavor and texture, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. For freshness, a handful of toasted pine nuts or a few whole basil leaves also wonderfully complement this dish.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs exquisitely with simple green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes. Garlic bread is always a winner to sop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with microgreens or edible flowers for a stunning visual. Alternatively, plating it with a drizzle of extra pesto around the edges adds both color and flavor appeal that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy pesto chicken pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze this dish by placing portions in freezer-safe containers and storing them for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back the creamy sauce texture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and sauce silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne work beautifully, feel free to experiment with rotini, linguine, or even rigatoni. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well with the creamy sauce.
Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?
Homemade pesto offers a fresh, vibrant flavor you can tailor to your liking, but a good-quality store-bought pesto works perfectly for convenience without sacrificing taste.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs add a bit more richness and moisture, making the dish even more flavorful. Just ensure they are cooked through before adding the sauce.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to keep it creamy but dairy-free.
What can I add to make this dish more colorful?
Adding sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or spinach not only boosts color but also enhances the dish’s flavor and nutritional power, making it even more vibrant on the plate.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s easy enough for any cook to master yet impressive enough to share with company. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to favorites for that perfect soul-satisfying meal.
Print
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces with a rich, creamy pesto sauce tossed with al dente pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal packed with savory garlic, fresh Parmesan, and aromatic pesto.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken and Garlic: Chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure even cooking and flavor infusion.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for about one minute, until fragrant but not burnt, to enhance the aroma and flavor of the dish.
- Add Cream and Pesto: Pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce, stirring continuously to combine ingredients thoroughly and create a creamy sauce base.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta while reserving some of the cooking water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce and chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce for desired creaminess.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option for a lower calorie version.
- Adding fresh basil or sun-dried tomatoes can enhance the flavor and add color.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free adaptation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
