Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and just downright comforting, you’re going to love this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those meals I keep coming back to because it hits that perfect balance of creamy sauce, fresh basil pesto, and tender chicken — all tossed with pasta that soaks up every bit of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or whipping up a quick weekday dinner, this recipe will feel special but doesn’t demand all day in the kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here blend together beautifully to create that luscious, creamy pesto sauce with perfectly cooked tender chicken and pasta that holds onto every bit of flavor. I always recommend fresh pesto if you can find it, but a good quality jar works too—just check the label for real cheese and olive oil.

• Penne Pasta: Penne is my go-to because its shape traps the sauce really well.
• Chicken Breast: I slice mine horizontally to ensure even cooking and tender bites every time.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality olive oil for sautéing—it makes a noticeable difference.
• Garlic: Fresh and finely diced, garlic adds that unmistakable savory warmth to the sauce.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: These brighten up the pesto and cream, balancing the richness beautifully.
• Chicken Stock: A splash adds depth to the sauce and helps it come together smoothly.
• Pesto: Whether fresh or jarred, pesto is the star flavor in this dish.
• Light Cream: I use light cream to keep things creamy without heaviness, but you can swap for heavy cream if you prefer it extra indulgent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is non-negotiable for that salty, nutty punch in the sauce.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved and added at the end for a burst of freshness and color.

Variations

This recipe is like a good friend who’s flexible—you can adapt it easily for different tastes or what’s in your fridge. I enjoy tweaking it based on the season or just what we feel like eating that day.

• Swap Protein: I once used shrimp instead of chicken, cooking it quickly in the same way; it was a delightful change and super fast.
• Veggie Boost: Adding fresh baby spinach or peas toward the end adds color and a healthy crunch without overwhelming the flavors.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a tangy twist, toss some chopped sun-dried tomatoes in – it gives a lovely burst of concentrated flavor.
• Extra Creamy: If you want a richer sauce, heavy cream makes this dish feel like a restaurant-worthy indulgence.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Just Right

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a little bounce—not mushy, as it’ll continue cooking in the sauce later. Drain and set aside. I like to toss it with a tiny drizzle of olive oil so it doesn’t stick while I finish the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

I always slice my chicken breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets so they cook evenly without drying out. Season both sides well with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over high heat, then reduce to medium-high before adding the chicken. Cook about five minutes on each side—thinner pieces may finish sooner, so keep an eye. Once golden and cooked through, transfer to a plate and let them rest while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Build That Flavorful Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add a teaspoon of olive oil to the same pan. Toss in the finely diced garlic and lemon zest, sautéing until fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes. Next, pour in the chicken stock, half of your pesto, cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, just long enough for the sauce to thicken slightly. It’s this step that pulls all the bright, creamy, and savory flavors together.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Slice your rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and either toss it directly into the sauce, or, like I sometimes do for a nicer presentation, keep the sauce more fluid and serve the sliced chicken on top. Add the cooked pasta along with the remaining pesto, then toss everything carefully to coat every piece of pasta with that creamy, herby sauce.

Step 5: Serve It Up with Fresh Finishings

Top with extra Parmesan cheese, halved cherry tomatoes for a fresh burst, and if you want, an extra drizzle of pesto. I love this final touch because it adds color, texture, and makes it look way more inviting. Then dig in!

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this pasta with extra Parmesan and fresh halved cherry tomatoes because they add a lovely pop of acidity that cuts through the creaminess. Sometimes, I sprinkle crispy toasted pine nuts for crunch and a little fresh basil if I have it on hand — those finishing touches take it over the top.

Side Dishes

Pair this with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to keep the meal fresh and balanced. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette on the side is also my favorite—perfect for mopping up that sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate the pasta individually in shallow bowls and garnish with microgreens, a drizzle of pesto oil, and maybe edible flowers if I’m feeling fancy. Serving the chicken sliced on top rather than mixed in also makes the dish look elegant without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in airtight containers in the fridge and it stays good for up to 3 days. Before storing, I usually keep the pasta and chicken together with sauce mixed in as it actually helps preserve moisture.

Freezing

I’m a bit cautious freezing creamy pasta dishes because sometimes the sauce can separate or turn grainy. I prefer to freeze leftover pesto in ice cube trays so I always have fresh flavor on hand, but this pasta I usually enjoy within a few days fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce. Low heat and frequent stirring keep the pasta creamy and delicious, avoiding drying out or curdling the cream.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe brings together simple ingredients that taste like a million bucks. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy, and I always feel proud to serve something that’s both comforting and fresh. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make but feels special enough for a weekend dinner or weekday treat, please give this a try. I promise you’ll enjoy every creamy, herby bite just as much as I do!

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