Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is that rare weeknight wonder—a dish that’s intensely comforting yet effortlessly elegant. With its twirl-worthy sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic basil pesto, every forkful is full of Italian-inspired joy. If you’re looking for a meal that feels special but comes together in just 30 minutes, you’re about to fall in love with this go-to pasta!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long ingredient list for irresistible Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta—just simple, high-impact ingredients that each bring their own magic. Every component, from the tender chicken to that zesty pesto, adds beautiful layers of flavor and color.

• Penne Pasta: A tubular pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly; feel free to use any sturdy pasta you love.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and infusing the dish with rich, Mediterranean notes.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is key for that classic Italian aroma and a gentle kick.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings depth and a hit of herby goodness to the chicken.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Cubed for quick, even cooking and plenty of tender protein in every bite.
• Salt and Pepper: To enhance and balance all the flavors in the dish.
• Butter: Adds richness and a touch of luxurious feel to the béchamel-style sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Whisked with butter to form a roux, thickening the sauce without heaviness.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and keeps things light (use low-sodium for more control).
• Half and Half: Makes the sauce creamy without being overly rich; milk or cream both work too!
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Salty, nutty, and a must for the fullest Italian flavor.
• Freshly Shredded Mozzarella: For that irresistible stringy, melty texture you only get with mozzarella.
• Basil Pesto: The star of the show! Bright, herby, and vibrant, it brings color and freshness to the party.
• Fresh Basil (Optional): For a final garnish that adds a pop of green and a blast of fragrance.

Variations

The beauty of Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to swap in a favorite veggie, use a different protein, or lighten things up, there are endless ways to put a unique spin on this classic.

• Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, sliced Italian sausage, or keep it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms for a delicious change-up.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra color and flavor.
• Lighten It Up: Use all milk instead of half & half, or skip the mozzarella for a lighter, but still creamy, sauce.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Calabrian chili oil for gentle heat.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling your penne pasta in generously salted water, just until al dente. This gives the noodles the perfect texture—tender with a satisfying bite—so they can soak up all that luscious sauce without getting mushy. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water in case you want to adjust the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper as the chicken begins to cook, stirring occasionally so it browns evenly and stays juicy. Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and carefully discard any liquid from the skillet to keep the sauce from thinning out later.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the butter, whisking in the flour to form a golden roux. After about three minutes, slowly whisk in the chicken broth and half & half, raising the heat if needed until the sauce gently simmers. Let it bubble away for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up and looks silky.

Step 4: Add Pesto and Cheeses

Remove the skillet from the heat and swirl in the basil pesto, freshly grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella. For the smoothest sauce, add the cheese a handful at a time, stirring well with each addition. This keeps the mozzarella from clumping and ensures your sauce is creamy without being stringy!

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Gently fold in the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken, tossing to coat everything in the glossy pesto sauce. If things look a bit thick, loosen it up to your liking with a splash of reserved pasta water. Serve your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta immediately—topped with fresh basil and extra cracked pepper for that final finishing touch.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Garnishes

A handful of fresh basil ribbons add instant color and fragrance to your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta. For extra flair (and a hit of savoriness), a final sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a few cracks of black pepper make every bowl look like it belongs at your favorite trattoria.

Side Dishes

Serve your pasta alongside a crisp green salad tossed in simple vinaigrette, or add a warm loaf of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted or grilled vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini, make lovely, colorful partners for the rich, creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, pile the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta high on a big serving platter and garnish with extra basil and lemon zest. To elevate a cozy night in, twirl individual portions into shallow pasta bowls and top each with a drizzle of pesto and Parmesan curls—it’s restaurant-gorgeous with zero fuss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, and you’ll have a fabulous, stress-free lunch or dinner ready to go.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta, though the creamy sauce may separate ever so slightly when reheated. To minimize texture changes, let the pasta cool completely before freezing and store in portioned, airtight containers; enjoy within 1-2 months for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a saucepan over low heat (or microwave in short bursts), adding a splash of milk or broth and stirring often to bring back that creamy texture. Stir until everything is heated through and perfectly smooth again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a quick, irresistible dinner that’ll earn rave reviews, Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is it. This is one of those cozy, foolproof meals you’ll want to add to your regular rotation—so grab your skillet and let’s get cooking tonight!

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