Name: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

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This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious pesto cream sauce. It’s a wonderful blend of bold flavors with a creamy finish that feels indulgent yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers on both flavor and simplicity. The creamy pesto sauce coats every bite of pasta and chicken beautifully, making each forkful satisfying. It’s a perfect balance between herbaceous pesto and rich cream, and it can be ready in just about 30 minutes. Whether I’m cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, it never disappoints.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Pasta (penne or fettuccine work great)
Garlic, minced
Heavy cream
Basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

directions

I start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper, then sautéing it in olive oil over medium heat until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. I set the chicken aside once done.
While the chicken cooks, I boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set it aside.
In the same pan I used for the chicken, I add a bit more oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
I pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
I return the chicken to the pan along with the cooked pasta and toss everything together until fully coated in the sauce.
I garnish with fresh basil before serving, if I have some on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 30 minutes total—20 minutes of cooking and 10 minutes of prep.

Variations

Sometimes I switch up the protein and use shrimp instead of chicken for a lighter feel. I’ve also made this with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, and it works just as well. For an extra veggie boost, I like to toss in some sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or steamed broccoli. If I’m craving a little heat, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I usually add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta before warming it on the stove or in the microwave, which helps bring the sauce back to life and keeps it creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I often use penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Any pasta that holds sauce well will work great.

Is it okay to use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely. I usually go with store-bought when I’m short on time, but homemade pesto adds a nice fresh touch if I have basil on hand.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I’ve made it ahead for busy days. I keep the pasta and sauce separate if I know I’ll reheat it later so the texture stays better.

What kind of cream should I use?

I always use heavy cream for the richest, creamiest texture, but half-and-half can work if I’m looking to lighten it up.

Can I freeze this pasta?

I don’t recommend freezing it since cream-based sauces tend to separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days from the fridge.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is one of my favorite comfort meals that never fails to satisfy. It’s easy, flavorful, and versatile, perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy lunch. I love how every bite bursts with creamy, herby flavor, making it a reliable go-to in my meal rotation.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

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Description

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich pesto cream sauce for a comforting and flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes.

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
While the chicken cooks, boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the basil pesto and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the pan. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess.
Swap chicken for shrimp or add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed.