Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce

Name: Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli); 2 chicken breasts, diced; 1 cup creamy pesto sauce; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Smart Collection

I love making Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce because it perfectly blends the flavors of fresh herbs and tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce. The vibrant green of the pesto gives it a beautiful presentation while the creamy texture ensures every bite is satisfying. This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more greens into our meals without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment.

Created by

Zinnia Fairweather

Last updated on 2026-04-08T14:00:57.845Z

When I first made Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. Using store-bought pesto adds a depth of flavor without demanding too much prep time. I sautéed chicken breast until golden brown, then combined it with fresh pasta and cream, creating a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to each strand.

One tip I've learned is to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining; it helps to adjust the sauce's consistency perfectly. This little trick made a huge difference, resulting in a creamy, dreamy dish that my family devoured.

Reasons You'll Love This Recipe

Rich, creamy sauce that envelops the pasta beautifully
Freshness of homemade pesto elevates the dish
Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion

Cooking the Pasta Perfectly

The choice of pasta can significantly impact the dish's overall texture. For Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce, I recommend using penne or fusilli, as their shapes hold onto the rich sauce remarkably well. Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Reserve the pasta water; this starchy liquid is essential for adjusting the sauce's consistency later on, ensuring it clings to the noodles beautifully.

When boiling pasta, it's crucial to use a generous amount of salted water. Aim for about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. This not only seasons the pasta but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Once cooked, avoid rinsing the pasta, as this removes the starch that helps the sauce adhere—a critical step in achieving that luscious texture.

Mastering the Chicken

Sautéing the chicken correctly is key to infusing the dish with great flavor. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the diced chicken; this will ensure a nice sear, enhancing the golden color and adding depth of flavor. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's no longer pink in the center. If you find the chicken is sticking to the pan, reduce the heat slightly or ensure there’s enough oil to create a nonstick environment.

For added moisture and flavor, consider marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice will add a zesty kick while keeping the chicken tender. If you're short on time, seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper, as the recipe suggests, works perfectly well too.

Pesto Sauce Tips

Using a creamy pesto sauce elevates this dish by merging the vibrant flavors of basil with a rich texture. You can make your own by blending fresh basil, garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. Add a bit of heavy cream to your homemade pesto for the creamy consistency that complements the chicken and pasta luxuriousness. It's worth the extra effort for that fresh taste, but store-bought pesto can be a great shortcut in a pinch.

If you want to reduce calories, consider replacing the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream alternative. This might alter the texture slightly but will maintain the dish's overall flavor profile. Remember, the creamy pesto should be silky when combined with the pasta and chicken. If it appears too thick, just splash in more reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious dish:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli)
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 cup creamy pesto sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Make sure to check your pantry for any additional spices or ingredients you might want to add!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Sauté the Chicken

In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Lower the heat and add the creamy pesto and heavy cream to the chicken. Stir in the drained pasta and Parmesan cheese, mixing until well coated.

Adjust Consistency

Add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency. Stir well.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot. Enjoy your meal!

Enjoy your creamy, flavorful pasta dish with a side salad for a complete meal!

Pro Tips

For an added punch of flavor, consider marinating your chicken in pesto for a few hours before cooking.

Serving Ideas

To enhance the presentation of your Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce, serve it in a wide, shallow bowl and consider topping it with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a nice sheen to the dish. Pairing it with a light salad or some crusty bread creates a satisfying meal that's balanced and appealing.

For gatherings, consider transforming this dish into a pasta bake by transferring the combined ingredients into a baking dish, topping it with cheese, and baking until bubbly and golden. This variation allows you to prepare it ahead of time, making it perfect for potlucks or family dinners.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you're looking to prepare in advance, you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time, storing them separately until you're ready to assemble the dish. The creamy pesto sauce can also be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its freshness.

Leftover Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or more cream to loosen the sauce. This will help prevent it from drying out—ensuring every bite remains as delicious as when first served.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to customize this dish to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, substitute diced chicken with sautéed mushrooms or grilled zucchini. You can also swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative while still achieving creaminess.

Experimenting with the herbs in the pesto can yield delightful variations—try using arugula, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile. Additionally, tossing in vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or peas just before serving can add color and nutrition, making the dish even more vibrant while enhancing its flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto saves time and still delivers great flavor.

→ What pasta types work best?

Penne and fusilli are excellent choices, but you can use any pasta you enjoy.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.