Heavenly Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a delectable chicken pesto pasta brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Vibrant green basil leaves blend seamlessly with tender chicken pieces.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate with remarkable intensity.

Homemade pesto creates an aromatic experience that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Fresh ingredients make this dish surprisingly simple to prepare.

You’ll discover how quickly restaurant-quality meals emerge from your own cooking space.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through classic Italian-inspired comfort.

Best Pairings With Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Rustic Italian Dinner Night: Serve the pasta on large ceramic platters with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and authentic Mediterranean feel.
• Cozy Weeknight Comfort Plate: Create individual servings in shallow pasta bowls. Add a side of warm garlic bread and a simple green salad to complete the meal with delightful textures.
• Elegant Lunch Gathering: Present the dish on white plates with a delicate sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to elevate the dining experience.
• Picnic Style Meal Prep: Pack portions in stackable containers for a delicious portable lunch. Include a small container of extra pesto for added flavor when ready to enjoy.

Keeping Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Fresh

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
• When reheating, mix pasta gently to prevent sauce from breaking or becoming grainy. Add a little liquid if sauce appears too thick or separated.

FAQs

• What protein works best in this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken are ideal. They provide tender, easy-to-shred meat that absorbs the creamy pesto sauce perfectly.

• Can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and add extra vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to boost nutrition.

• Is homemade or store-bought pesto better?

Both work well. Homemade pesto offers fresher flavor, while store-bought provides convenience. Choose a high-quality brand if using pre-made pesto.

• How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thin?

Use full-fat Parmesan cheese and gradually add cream while stirring. If needed, let the sauce simmer briefly to thicken naturally.

Reasons To Love Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Speedy Culinary Magic: Craft a delicious pasta dish in mere minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
• Creamy Comfort Delight: Experience a luxurious, velvety sauce that hugs every pasta strand, delivering rich flavor and satisfying texture.
• Minimal Ingredient Brilliance: Create a restaurant-worthy meal with just a handful of pantry staples, making this recipe incredibly accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: This versatile dish appeals to both kids and adults, serving as a simple yet crowd-pleasing option for family dinners or casual gatherings.

What Goes Into Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying base for the pasta dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty flavor and helps thicken the creamy sauce.

• Pasta: The main carbohydrate component that serves as the foundation of the recipe.

• Pesto: Brings a vibrant herbal and nutty flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious texture for the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic flavor to enhance the overall dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the ingredients.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook your pasta in salted water following the package guidelines. Once it’s tender and delicious, drain the water completely and set the pasta aside, ready for its sauce adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic in Oil

Grab a large skillet and pour in some olive oil. Heat it over medium flame until it’s shimmering.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until it releases its aromatic magic and turns golden.

Step 3: Warm Up Cooked Chicken

Drop your pre-cooked chicken pieces into the fragrant garlic oil.

Stir and swirl the chicken around for a few minutes, allowing it to get cozy and heated through.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour in rich heavy cream and gently stir.

Watch the cream warm up and start to create a silky base for your sauce. Keep stirring to prevent any sticking.

Step 5: Blend Pesto and Cheese

Introduce vibrant pesto and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously as the sauce transforms, becoming thicker and more luscious with each turn.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your perfectly cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss and coat every single strand with the creamy, herby sauce until each piece is generously dressed.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your taste. Give a final stir, then transfer to warm plates.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality pasta immediately while it’s hot and inviting.

Helpful Hints For Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Rinse pasta under cold water after draining to prevent sticking and maintain perfect texture.
• Choose high-quality jarred or homemade pesto for maximum flavor depth in the sauce.
• Select rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save preparation time and add extra flavor complexity.
• Adjust cream consistency by adding pasta water if sauce becomes too thick, ensuring smooth and silky coating.
• Consider substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version without compromising creamy richness.

Creative Twists For Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace pesto with a blend of fresh basil, oregano, and thyme, creating a lighter, herb-forward sauce that highlights Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Add Cajun seasoning to the chicken and incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce for a bold, zesty version with a southern-style heat.
• Vegetarian Green Goddess: Swap chicken with roasted zucchini and mushrooms, using a spinach-based pesto for a hearty vegetable alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Fusion: Mix chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a tangy, rich variation that adds depth to the original recipe.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade creamy chicken pesto pasta brings Italian comfort to your dinner table. Parmesan, fresh basil, and tender chicken create a satisfying meal that delivers rich flavors you will savor in every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 2 cups (480 ml) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) prepared pesto
• 1/4 cup (30 g) grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, approximately 350°F.
3. Sauté minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden, releasing its rich flavor, about 30-45 seconds.
4. Introduce pre-cooked chicken pieces into the fragrant garlic-infused pan, gently stirring to distribute heat evenly and warm through completely.
5. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and create a luxurious base for the sauce. Stir continuously to prevent scorching.
6. Incorporate homemade or store-bought pesto and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
7. Fold the drained pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the herb-infused, cheesy mixture.
8. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
9. Transfer to serving plates immediately while piping hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, homemade pesto to enhance the authentic flavor and richness of the dish.
• Consider using whole wheat pasta for a healthier, fiber-rich alternative that complements the creamy sauce.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to create a lighter, lower-calorie version that still maintains a luxurious texture.
• Customize the protein by using grilled shrimp, tofu, or roasted vegetables for a versatile vegetarian or seafood-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg