Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy meal that’s bursting with flavor yet surprisingly simple to pull together, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe is where it’s at. I absolutely love how the silky, herbaceous pesto sauce clings to tender chicken and al dente pasta, delivering a comforting dish that feels a little fancy but actually comes together quickly. Stick with me here because I’ve packed in my favorite tips and tricks to help you nail this dish every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here happens in the combination of fresh pesto, tender chicken, and a creamy sauce that’s ready in under 30 minutes. These ingredients work brilliantly together, and you don’t need anything fancy—just good quality basics will make this sing.

• Penne pasta: I prefer penne or rigatoni because their ridges hold that luscious sauce so well.
• Chicken breast: Thinly sliced for even cooking and juicy results—you’ll want to cut them horizontally.
• Olive oil: Keeps everything sizzling nicely without sticking.
• Garlic: Finely diced to infuse the sauce with subtle savory notes.
• Lemon zest and juice: Brightens up the creamy pesto with a fresh zing.
• Chicken stock: Adds depth and richness to the sauce base.
• Pesto: Split the amount—some goes into the sauce, the rest coats the pasta for layered flavor.
• Light cream: Makes the sauce silky without being too heavy; you can go richer with heavy cream too.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty umami goodness that ties everything together.
• Cherry tomatoes: Freshly halved to add a pop of sweetness when serving.

Variations

I’m all about making this recipe your own. Over time, I’ve played around with a few tweaks that totally boost flavor or simplify prep depending on what you’ve got on hand or what you’re craving.

• Protein Swap: Using shrimp instead of chicken is a game changer—quickly pan-fried, it cuts down cooking time and tastes amazing with the pesto sauce.
• Vegetable Boost: I often throw in baby spinach or peas at the end to sneak in some greens without changing the creamy vibe.
• Extra Creamy: Swap light cream for heavy cream if you want to indulge a bit more—you’ll love how rich it gets.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adding these gives a lovely burst of flavor and a little chewiness that plays nicely with the fresh pesto.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your penne according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—not mushy! Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse—those starches help the sauce cling. Tip: Toss the pasta with a little olive oil if you plan to sit on it for a few minutes before mixing in the sauce to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prep and Sear the Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner pieces that cook evenly and quickly. Season both sides well with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown—about 5 minutes per side. Remove thinner pieces early if they finish before the others. Once cooked, transfer to a plate to rest; resting keeps the juices locked in, trust me.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add a teaspoon of olive oil to the same pan. Toss in finely diced garlic and lemon zest, sautéing just until fragrant (about 30 seconds—don’t burn that garlic!). Pour in chicken stock, half the pesto, cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Let this simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and your kitchen smells heavenly.

Step 4: Slice Chicken and Combine

Slice your rested chicken into strips and either toss them into the sauce or serve them on top of the pasta for a prettier presentation. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, pour in the remaining pesto, and toss everything together so that every bite is packed with that creamy, herby sauce.

Step 5: Serve with a Fresh Finish

Top the pasta with halved cherry tomatoes for bursts of juicy sweetness and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. I sometimes drizzle a little extra pesto over the top just because it never gets old!

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with halved cherry tomatoes—they add a great freshness and color contrast. Extra Parmesan grated over the top is a must for that salty punch, and a little more drizzle of pesto can’t hurt. Sometimes I pop on a few fresh basil leaves if I have them, which makes the dish pop with herbal brightness.

Side Dishes

This creamy pesto chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For something heartier, roasted asparagus or garlic-rubbed crusty bread make fantastic accompaniments that round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve drizzled a little balsamic glaze over the top and served the pasta in elegant shallow bowls alongside grilled lemon wedges. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds a nice crunch and depth. Presentation-wise, slicing the chicken and fanning it over the pasta always looks impressive without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight! Just note the sauce might thicken, so if reheating, you may want to add a splash of chicken stock or cream to bring it back to that perfect consistency.

Freezing

I generally don’t freeze this dish because creamy sauces with dairy can separate and turn grainy after freezing. If you do want to freeze, consider freezing just the pesto in ice cube trays for future use—that works great and keeps flavor fresh.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little splash of chicken stock or cream to rehydrate the sauce. This method keeps the chicken tender and prevents the sauce from breaking or separating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe feels like a little slice of comfort with a fresh twist, and it’s become one of my go-to dishes when I’m short on time but want to impress. I love how forgiving it is—the chicken always turns out juicy, the sauce perfectly creamy, and the flavors just sing. Give it a try and I bet this will become a staple in your kitchen too. Let me know how yours turns out—I’m rooting for you to nail this one!

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