Dreamy Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe for Dinner Magic

Delightful flavors dance through this creamy chicken pesto pasta that captures the essence of Italian comfort cooking.

Aromatic basil leaves mingle with tender chicken pieces, creating a symphony of taste.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Weeknight dinners transform into gourmet experiences with minimal effort.

Home cooks can master this recipe in under thirty minutes.

Herbs, pasta, and protein unite to deliver a meal you’ll absolutely adore.

One bite promises to transport you straight to a charming trattoria in tuscany.

Why Chicken Pesto Pasta Is a Classic

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Pesto and Parmesan cheese create a rich, bold taste that transforms an ordinary pasta dish into a gourmet meal.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken with shrimp, adding vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit personal preferences and family tastes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein, this pasta satisfies both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family meals or casual gatherings with friends.

What You Need to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the base of this creamy and flavorful dish.
• Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty texture and substance to the pasta.
• Pesto: A vibrant green sauce that brings rich herbal flavor and aromatic complexity to the recipe.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a luxurious, smooth sauce with a deep, tangy cheese flavor.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Chili Flakes, Fresh Basil: Seasonings and herbs that enhance and balance the overall taste profile of the dish, adding depth and brightness.

• Olive Oil: A high-quality cooking fat that helps sauté the chicken and creates a smooth cooking base.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Cook pasta in salted water until it reaches that magical al dente texture. Drain and set aside, letting it rest while you work your culinary magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Warm up a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in chicken pieces and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Cook until the chicken turns a gorgeous golden brown and is completely done, about 6-8 minutes of sizzling goodness.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Drop minced garlic into the skillet, letting its aromatic magic dance around the chicken.

Sauté for a quick 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlic fragrance.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Pesto

Stir these together and let them simmer for 3-4 minutes, creating a sauce that’ll make taste buds do a happy dance.

Step 5: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Introduce the cooked pasta to your creamy masterpiece. Toss everything together until each pasta strand is gloriously coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt and mingle for 1-2 minutes, creating an extra layer of deliciousness.

Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve with Style

Plate up your creamy chicken pesto pasta immediately.

• Fresh basil leaves.
• A sprinkle of chili flakes (if you're feeling adventurous).

Tips to Perfect Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Choose high-quality, fresh pesto for maximum flavor and authentic taste.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for increased nutrition and color variation.

Flavorful Swaps for Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Vegetarian Zucchini Noodle Pesto: Replace chicken and pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles and plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
• Mediterranean Seafood Pesto Pasta: Swap chicken with shrimp or white fish, and add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Pesto: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly version with plant-based pesto.

What to Pair with Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Rustic Dinner Party Delight: Serve the pasta on a large wooden board with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and crusty Italian bread for a family-style presentation that encourages sharing and conversation.
• Garden Fresh Side Kick: Pair the creamy chicken pesto pasta with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy sauce and add a bright, peppery contrast.
• Picnic Perfect Pack: Pack the cooled pasta in mason jars for a delightful portable lunch, layering the ingredients to keep the texture fresh and appetizing for outdoor meals or work lunch breaks.
• Wine Pairing Elegance: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the creamy sauce and enhances the herbal pesto flavors.

Keeping Chicken Pesto Pasta Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum, keeping the pasta and sauce together to preserve moisture and flavor.
• Place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, away from the door.

FAQs

• Is pesto a healthy ingredient?

Pesto contains healthy ingredients like basil, olive oil, and pine nuts, providing good fats, antioxidants, and some nutrients. However, it’s calorie-dense, so moderation is key.

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly and can save you cooking time. Just ensure the chicken is heated through with the sauce.

• What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Medium-sized pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle are ideal because they hold the creamy pesto sauce well and create a balanced bite.

Delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Delicious creamy chicken pesto pasta brings classic Italian flavors to your dinner table. Simple ingredients combine for a comforting meal you can enjoy with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced

Pasta:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) penne or any pasta of choice

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water at high heat until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce diced chicken, seasoning generously with salt and cracked pepper. Sauté until exterior turns golden and interior reaches complete doneness, roughly 7 minutes.
3. Introduce finely chopped garlic to the sizzling pan, allowing aromatics to release for approximately 60-90 seconds.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Gently incorporate rich cream and vibrant pesto, creating a luxurious sauce. Allow mixture to softly simmer, stirring periodically for 3-4 minutes.
5. Transfer drained pasta directly into the creamy sauce, carefully rotating and coating each strand thoroughly.
6. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan, folding delicately to integrate. Continue cooking momentarily to meld flavors and slightly thicken sauce.
7. Plate immediately, garnishing with delicate fresh basil leaves and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the protein-rich profile.
• Use gluten-free pasta to transform this dish into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising taste.
• Fresh homemade pesto delivers more vibrant flavor compared to store-bought versions, so consider making your own when time allows.
• Toast pine nuts or add extra red pepper flakes to enhance the overall depth and complexity of the dish’s flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 850 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: fifty-five g
• Saturated Fat: twenty-one g
• Unsaturated Fat: thirty-two g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: seventy-eight g
• Fiber: four g
• Protein: fifty-two g
• Cholesterol: one hundred and twenty mg