Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, a creamy pesto-infused sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and fresh—perfect for weeknights, date nights, or meal prepping. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this recipe is sure to be a favorite.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)salt and pepperolive oilgarlic (minced)pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)pesto sauceheavy creamgrated Parmesan cheesefresh basil or parsley (optional)cherry tomatoes or spinach (optional)

directions

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.

Stir in pesto and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Return the chicken to the pan along with the cooked pasta. Toss to coat, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Optional: Fold in cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrition.

Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.

Try sun-dried tomato pesto or homemade pesto for different flavor profiles.

Substitute cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Add sautéed mushrooms or broccoli for more texture and veggies.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or water.
Not recommended for freezing due to the creamy sauce texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, just choose a high-quality pesto for the best flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free pesto and plant-based cream alternatives.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle holds the sauce well, but long pasta also works.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and add more veggies or white beans.

Can I add lemon?

Yes, a squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness to balance the richness.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer a bit longer or stir in more Parmesan.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Use a mix of milk and cream cheese or half-and-half.

Do I need to cook the pesto?

Just warming it in the sauce is enough—overcooking can dull the flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just thaw it completely before cooking.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor, with a luscious sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic pesto. It’s an easy-to-make dish that feels gourmet, making it ideal for any occasion. Serve it once, and it’ll quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation.