Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a rich, vibrant, and comforting dish that brings together the freshness of basil pesto, the tenderness of seasoned chicken, and the silkiness of a luscious cream sauce. This pasta is incredibly aromatic, bursting with flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. It combines the best elements of Italian-inspired cuisine with the convenience of a quick and easy pasta dish.

The sauce coats every strand of pasta beautifully, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet balanced. Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner, hosting guests, or craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe delivers both convenience and gourmet flavor. Its creamy texture, bright pesto undertones, and juicy chicken make it a standout recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it blends simplicity and elegance with bold, comforting flavors. The creamy pesto sauce transforms ordinary pasta into something truly special, and the chicken adds protein and heartiness. It’s a one-pan-style meal that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The fresh basil aroma and rich Parmesan finish always make it feel like a treat.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

It’s a must-try dish because it offers the perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and savoriness. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and universally loved. Whether you're a fan of traditional pesto or creamy pasta dishes, this recipe gives you the best of both worlds. Plus, it’s customizable with vegetables, different proteins, or alternative pasta shapes.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time : 15 minutes

Cooking Time : 20 minutes

Total Time : 35 minutes

Servings : 4 servings

Calories : Approximately 530 calories per serving

Course : Main Course

Cuisine : Italian-American

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or bowtie)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup pasta water (reserve)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat oil and butter in a skillet, add chicken, and cook until golden and fully cooked.
4. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Stir in heavy cream and simmer.
6. Add pesto and mix well to form a smooth sauce.
7. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
8. Add cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to combine.
9. Adjust thickness using reserved pasta water.
10. Garnish and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve pasta water before draining.
2. Cut chicken into cubes and season well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the chicken and cook 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in heavy cream and reduce heat slightly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
7. Add basil pesto, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and evenly mixed.
8. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
9. Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss well to coat.
10. Add reserved pasta water in small amounts to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning.
12. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. It pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread
• A light green salad
• Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus
• Lemon water, iced tea, or a crisp white wine

This pasta also works beautifully as a lunch meal-prep dish.

Recipe Tips

• Use high-quality pesto for the best flavor.
• Add pasta water gradually to create the perfect creamy consistency.
• Do not overcook the chicken; remove it once fully cooked to keep it juicy.
• For extra richness, add a bit more Parmesan or cream.
• Stir the sauce continuously to avoid separating.
• Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas for color and nutrition.

Variations

Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta

Replace pan-seared chicken with grilled chicken slices for a smoky flavor.

Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Swap chicken for shrimp; cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side.

Vegetarian Pesto Pasta

Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.

Low-Calorie Version

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and less Parmesan.

Spicy Pesto Pasta

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Replace basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto for a tangy twist.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

Cream-based sauces can separate, but if desired:

• Let pasta cool completely.
• Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
• Reheat gently with added cream or milk to restore texture.

Reheating

• Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or cream.
• Microwave on medium heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Pasta pot
• Tongs or pasta spoon
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups

Conclusion

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a delightful blend of creamy, fresh, and savory flavors that come together in a dish that feels indulgent yet effortless. With tender chicken, rich pesto sauce, and perfectly coated pasta, this recipe is both comforting and elegant. It's fast enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Enjoy this versatile, satisfying, and deeply flavorful pasta anytime you want a delicious meal with minimal effort.