Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe – Easy Dinner

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a weeknight hug in a bowl. We all have those nights, right? The ones where you crave something comforting, something bursting with flavor, but also something relatively quick to whip up. This dish perfectly answers that call. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, loved by picky eaters and seasoned foodies alike. What makes this creamy chicken pesto pasta so special? It’s the magical marriage of vibrant, herbaceous pesto with a luxurious, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta and tender piece of chicken. The creamy texture elevates the pesto from a simple sauce to an indulgent experience, transforming a weeknight dinner into something truly memorable.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

Get ready for your new go-to

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

There are few things more comforting than a warm bowl of pasta, and when you add tender chicken and a vibrant, herbaceous pesto sauce, you’ve got a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. My Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a weeknight hero – it comes together quickly enough for those busy evenings, but it’s also elegant enough to impress guests. The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in the creamy sauce, which perfectly balances the bright notes of pesto with rich, cheesy goodness.

This recipe is designed to be flexible, so feel free to swap out the pasta shape or adjust the seasoning to your liking. But I promise, the core elements – succulent chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that luscious pesto cream sauce – are what make this dish truly shine. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

Cooking the Chicken

The first step is to get our chicken ready. This ensures it’s cooked through and beautifully seasoned before it joins the creamy sauce. In a medium bowl, toss your diced chicken breast with the olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure each piece is well-coated.

Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. You want to get a nice sear on the chicken for added flavor. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. It should no longer be pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about any browned bits left in the pan; they’ll add extra flavor to our sauce.

Cooking the Pasta

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to get our pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta (or your chosen shape) and cook according to the package directions until al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, and we want a lovely texture for our dish.

Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This magical liquid is invaluable for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. It contains starch from the pasta which helps to emulsify the sauce, making it silkier and more cohesive. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.

Making the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Now for the heart of the dish – the incredibly delicious creamy pesto sauce! In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (no need to wash it!), melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and starts to bubble, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture, often called a roux, for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the base for our thickened sauce. You’ll see it form a paste.

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, a little bit at a time, making sure to incorporate it fully into the roux before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begin extracts to thicken. Once all the broth is added and the sauce is simmering gently, slowly pour in the half and half, whisking continuously. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer and thicken further, about 3-5 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Combining and Finishing

Now it’s time to bring everything together and infuse our sauce with that incredible pesto flavor. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the basil pesto and the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the pesto is well incorporated and the parmesan has melted into the sauce, creating a beautiful green hue and a wonderfully aromatic base.

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Then, add the drained pasta to the skillet as well. Toss everything gently to coat the chicken and pasta evenly in the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick at this stage, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Finally, stir in the freshly shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring gently until the mozzarella is melted and melded into the sauce, making it even more lusciously creamy and delightfully cheesy. Taste the pasta and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remember that both the pesto and the parmesan cheese can be salty, so taste before you add more!

To serve, spoon the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta into shallow bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil for a burst of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor. This dish is best enjoyed immediately, while it’s warm and comforting. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this delicious Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe! It’s a truly fantastic dish that strikes the perfect balance between comforting creaminess and vibrant, herbaceous pesto flavor. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that rich, garlicky sauce come together to create a meal that’s both impressive enough for guests and wonderfully easy for a weeknight dinner. Seriously, the way the pesto infuses into the creamy sauce is just divine, and the whole dish feels incredibly satisfying without being too heavy.

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is incredibly versatile! I love serving it with a simple side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. For variations, don’t be afraid to experiment! You could swap the chicken for shrimp or even use a plant-based chicken alternative for a vegetarian option. Sun-dried tomatoes are a fantastic addition, or try adding some sautéed mushrooms for extra depth. And for a different herb profile, consider adding a touch of basil or parsley to your pesto. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try – I’m confident it will become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the pesto from scratch for this recipe?

Absolutely! While store-bought pesto is convenient, making your own pesto from scratch will elevate this dish even further. It allows you to control the ingredients and achieve the freshest, most vibrant flavor. Simply blend fresh basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), garlic, Parmesan cheese, and good quality olive oil until smooth. Adjust seasonings to your taste!

What kind of pasta works best with this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta?

Almost any pasta shape will work beautifully! I personally love using shapes that have nooks and crannies to hold onto the creamy sauce, like penne, fusilli, or rotini. However, linguine or fettuccine also make for a lovely, elegant presentation. The key is to cook your pasta al dente so it holds its texture in the sauce.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

A delicious and easy creamy chicken pesto pasta dish with tender chicken and al dente pasta coated in a rich, flavorful pesto cream sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
25 Minutes

Total Time
40 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (diced into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 pound penne pasta (or farfalle, rotini)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (fresh or jarred)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Season diced chicken breast with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2
   In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
3. Step 3
   Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then half and half, until smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
4. Step 4
   Stir in basil pesto, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5
   Add cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
6. Step 6
   Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
7. Step 7
   Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped basil.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.