Dreamy Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe for Family Dinners

Whipping up a delightful chicken pesto pasta brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Fragrant basil and rich cream blend seamlessly in this Italian-inspired dish.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle among perfectly cooked noodles, creating a harmonious meal.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each forkful, promising a culinary adventure.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal effort.

Fresh parmesan and bright herbs elevate this classic combination.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: Taste The Difference

• Savor Versatile Flavors: Combines classic Italian ingredients like pesto, chicken, and Parmesan for a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Customize with Ease: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for shrimp, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit personal preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for cooking chicken, creating sauce, and combining all ingredients, making it a hassle-free dinner solution.

Chicken Pesto Pasta Ingredients List

• Pasta: A classic base for this creamy and flavorful dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich and tender meat that adds substance to the recipe.
• Pesto: A vibrant green sauce that brings bold herb and garlic flavors.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Ingredients that create a luxurious and smooth sauce.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Fresh Basil Leaves: Seasonings that boost the overall taste and add aromatic depth to the pasta dish.

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat used for cooking the chicken and creating a base for the sauce.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.

Drop in pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Before draining, scoop out some pasta water – this liquid gold will be your secret weapon for creating a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Grab a skillet and warm up some olive oil over medium heat.

Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and are completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build Flavor-Packed Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until fragrant.

• Pesto
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Stir everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and luxurious.

Step 4: Combine Pasta Magic

Reunite the cooked chicken and pasta with your creamy sauce.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each strand of pasta gets a loving coating.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

• Fresh basil leaves
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal straight from your kitchen!

Chef’s Advice For Creamy Pesto Pasta

• Save the starchy pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that helps ingredients cling together perfectly.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior and maximum flavor absorption.
• Use high-quality, fresh basil pesto for the most vibrant and authentic taste in your creamy pasta dish.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and provides a richer flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
• Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of this delicious meal.

Pesto Pasta – Ways To Add Your Spin

• Vegetarian Pesto Pasta: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free option.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute pasta with spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.

Chicken Pesto Pasta – Serving Ideas

• Pasta Party Platter: Arrange the creamy chicken pesto pasta on a large wooden board with extra basil sprigs and grated Parmesan on the side for a rustic, shareable experience.
• Fresh Mediterranean Twist: Top with crumbled feta cheese, sliced cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add bright, tangy flavors.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with grilled zucchini or add toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and nutritional boost.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, herbal pesto with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the creamy sauce.

Best Storage For Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the pasta is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces, as they may separate.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring frequently until heated through.

FAQs

• What type of pesto works best for this recipe?

Homemade or store-bought basil pesto are both excellent. Jarred pesto from brands like Rao’s or Filippo Berio provide great flavor if you’re short on time.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp, salmon, or even turkey work wonderfully in this recipe. For vegetarian options, try replacing chicken with grilled tofu or roasted vegetables.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, opt for low-fat cream, choose a lighter pesto, and add extra vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to boost nutritional value.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken pesto pasta brings Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables with silky homemade sauce and tender chicken. Fragrant basil and parmesan create a luxurious blend that draws you into an irresistible culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)

Cheese and Cream:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt
• Pepper

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh basil leaves
• Red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, carefully setting aside half a cup of starchy cooking liquid before straining.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook until exterior turns golden brown and meat is thoroughly done throughout, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Using the identical skillet, gently sauté minced garlic until aromatic and releasing its rich flavor profile.
4. Introduce pesto, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, whisking continuously until ingredients meld into a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Incorporate cooked chicken and pasta into the sauce, gently folding to ensure every morsel receives an even coating of the luxurious mixture.
6. Adjust sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a silky texture that clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken.
7. Plate immediately while warm, scattering fresh basil leaves and optional red pepper flakes on top for an extra burst of color and subtle heat.

Notes

• Customize the pasta type to match your dietary needs, like gluten-free or whole wheat options for added nutrition.
• Keep pasta water as a secret weapon to create a silky, perfectly emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to every noodle.
• Control the sauce’s richness by adjusting cream and Parmesan ratios – less cream means a lighter dish, more creates an indulgent experience.
• Enhance protein variety by swapping chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or roasted vegetables for vegetarian and pescatarian alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg