Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a warm, friendly dish that tastes like comfort and fresh herbs at the same time. It mixes tender chicken, rich cream, and bright basil pesto with pasta for a sauce that clings to every bite. This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, easy enough for weeknights, and tasty enough for guests.
The featured recipe, Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, brings simple ingredients together fast. It has a silky sauce, savory chicken, and the green, fresh flavor of pesto. It feels a little special, but you can make it without fuss. Get ready to make a plate that will have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe a little extra bread to soak up the sauce.
how to prepare Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Ingredients (simple list)
- 8 oz pasta, like penne or fusilli
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
- 1 cup basil pesto, store bought or homemade
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional, cherry tomatoes or spinach for color
Directions, step by step
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions, drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, lower the heat and add the cream. Stir in the pesto until smooth and warmed.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the pan. Toss gently so the sauce coats everything.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.
- Add optional spinach or halved cherry tomatoes, cook briefly until wilted or warmed. Serve right away.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
- Fast and simple, ready in about 30 minutes.
- Rich, creamy sauce with bright basil flavor.
- Uses pantry staples and just a few fresh items.
- Great for weeknight dinners, but pretty enough for guests.
- Easy to change, add veggies or swap cream for a lighter option.
tips for success
- Cook pasta a minute less than package time, it will finish in the sauce and stay firm.
- Save a cup of pasta water, it helps thin the sauce and make it silky.
- Use good quality pesto for the best fresh basil taste.
- Don’t overcook the chicken, keep it juicy by browning then finishing in the sauce if needed.
- If you want lighter sauce, use half and half or a mix of Greek yogurt and milk, stir in off heat to avoid curdling.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a green salad and a simple vinaigrette for balance.
- Pair with garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.
- Top with extra grated Parmesan and a few basil leaves for color.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for a full meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
A: Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works great. Add it to the sauce at the end to warm through.
Q: How can I make this dairy free?
A: Use a dairy free cream or full fat coconut milk and a dairy free Parmesan style sprinkle. The pesto may contain cheese, so check labels or use a vegan pesto.
Q: Can I make this ahead and reheat?
A: You can make it ahead, but the sauce may thicken in the fridge. Add a splash of water or milk when reheating and warm gently on the stove.
Q: Is pesto safe to freeze?
A: Pesto freezes well. Freeze in small jars or ice cube trays for easy portions. Thaw before mixing into the cream sauce.
Conclusion
If you want another simple, one pot idea similar to this, check the One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe – Budget Bytes for a slightly different take and helpful tips.
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions, drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, lower the heat and add the cream. Stir in the pesto until smooth and warmed.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the pan. Toss gently so the sauce coats everything.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.
- Add optional spinach or halved cherry tomatoes, cook briefly until wilted or warmed. Serve right away.
