Get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort with this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta! If you love a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and totally satisfying, this one’s for you. Imagine tender chicken coated in a luscious, creamy pesto sauce, all mixed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day—cozy, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re having a quiet dinner at home or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to steal the show. Trust me, it’s going to be your new go-to recipe!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or entertaining friends, this dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners or fancy enough for a dinner party.
Budget-Friendly: A simple recipe that doesn’t break the bank but tastes like you’re dining out.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it the ideal weeknight meal.
Customizable: You can swap the chicken for shrimp or add veggies for a twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a creamy pasta dish, and this one’s a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients in Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Here’s what makes this dish so irresistible—it’s all about fresh ingredients that come together in a creamy, flavorful union. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect protein for this dish. They cook quickly and stay juicy, giving you that tender bite you crave.
Pesto: The heart of the dish! Fresh basil pesto, made with fragrant basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil, adds a burst of flavor to the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: This transforms the pesto into a rich, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
Garlic: A little extra garlic never hurt anyone—it adds depth to the creamy pesto sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Because cheese makes everything better, right? Grated Parmesan adds that savory umami note.
Pasta: Any pasta works here, but I recommend something with grooves like penne or fusilli to hold onto the sauce.
Olive Oil: To sauté the chicken and garlic—smooth and rich, just like the pesto.
Fresh Basil: For garnish and a fresh pop of flavor at the end.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this creamy masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. This is where the magic happens!
Combine Ingredients: Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder. In the hot skillet, cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side. Once done, set aside and slice into strips.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In the same skillet, add a touch of olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the pesto sauce, allowing it to blend into the cream, creating a rich, creamy mixture.
Assemble the Dish: Cook your pasta according to package instructions. Once the pasta is ready, toss it into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Add the sliced chicken and stir everything together until well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of pasta water to loosen it up.
Cook to Perfection: Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Finishing Touches: Sprinkle in some freshly grated Parmesan and garnish with chopped basil for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, and get ready for an explosion of flavor in every bite. This creamy chicken pesto pasta is rich, decadent, and so comforting.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~600 (varies based on portion size and cream)
(Note: these values are approximate and will vary based on specific brands and portions used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
– A side of garlic bread for extra indulgence
– A light, crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness
– Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a healthy touch
– A glass of chilled white wine, like Chardonnay, to complement the creamy flavors
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian version.
– If you’re not a fan of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
– Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the pesto sauce.
– Don’t overcook the chicken—it should stay juicy and tender.
– Use store-bought pesto if you’re short on time, but homemade pesto will elevate the flavor.
– For an extra cheesy dish, mix in some mozzarella or fontina cheese when tossing the pasta.
– Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and they reheat beautifully!
FAQs
1 Can I use a different kind of pasta for this recipe
Yes! Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work well with the creamy pesto sauce.
2 Can I make this dish without cream
Yes, you can use milk or a non-dairy option like coconut milk, but it won’t be as creamy.
3 How can I make this dish spicier
Add some red pepper flakes to the pesto or toss in a fresh chili with the garlic for some heat.
4 Can I use store-bought pesto
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a great time-saver, though homemade pesto adds a richer flavor.
5 Can I make this ahead of time
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance. Just store separately and reheat before serving.
6 What other protein can I use
You can substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even crispy bacon for a different flavor.
7 How do I store leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
8 Can I use a different type of cheese
Yes! Parmesan is traditional, but you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or even cheddar for a different twist.
9 Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets
You can easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
10 How can I make this dish lighter
Use less cream and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to bulk up the dish without the extra calories.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is everything you want in a comfort meal—rich, flavorful, and downright delicious. With its smooth, creamy sauce and the perfect balance of fresh pesto, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Go ahead, dig in, and enjoy the simple joys of a meal that’s as satisfying as it is tasty!
Print
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and creamy pasta dish made with tender chicken, flavorful pesto sauce, and parmesan cheese for a comforting and quick meal.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken for a faster meal.
- Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg