Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that’s both luxurious and easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, look no further than Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta. This decadent, herby, cheesy pasta dish wraps tender chicken and al dente penne in the dreamiest basil pesto cream sauce – it’s absolutely irresistible and comes together in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of approachable, flavorful ingredients to make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta that tastes straight out of a cozy trattoria. Each one brings something special: from the melt-in-your-mouth chicken to the fragrant basil pesto and glorious cheese – they all play a crucial role!

• Penne pasta: Its tube shape catches all that creamy sauce, but you can use rotini, rigatoni, or your favorite hearty pasta as well.
• Olive oil: The backbone of Italian cooking; it helps sear the chicken and brings a subtle fruitiness to the dish.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced, garlic is key for aromatic depth—don’t skimp!
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that amplifies every bite with classic Mediterranean warmth.
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, it cooks quickly and stays juicy in the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Simple, yes, but completely essential for drawing out all the other flavors.
• Butter: For extra silkiness in the sauce and a delicious savory base for the roux.
• All-purpose flour: Just a little creates that luscious, velvety sauce you’ll crave again and again.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps things light instead of overly heavy.
• Half and half (or milk/cream): Creaminess without being too rich—you control how decadent you want your sauce!
• Freshly grated Parmesan: Salty, nutty, and essential for building that classic creamy pasta flavor.
• Freshly shredded Mozzarella: Melts into the sauce for gooey, cheesy goodness in every forkful.
• Basil pesto: The star ingredient—use store-bought for ease or homemade for a personal flourish.
• Fresh basil: Optional, but a sprinkle on top brings brightness, color, and a fragrant finish.

Variations

I’m all about making this dish your own! Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is so versatile—you can tweak it based on what’s in your fridge, dietary needs, or just personal craving. Here are some favorite ways to spin it:

• Swap the protein: Try juicy shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or even chickpeas for a meatless option.
• Add veggies: Toss in sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or baby spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta; the creamy sauce works beautifully with almost any variety.
• Lighter version: Use whole milk or a light cream, and reduce the amount of cheese for a slightly less indulgent pasta.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking your penne to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain it and set aside—resist the urge to overcook, since the pasta will spend a little more time mingling with the sauce later!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning well with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and pour off any excess liquid so your sauce will be extra luscious, not watery.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pop the skillet back onto the stove and melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly until it turns golden and smells nutty—about 3 minutes. Now whisk in the chicken broth and half & half, bringing it to a gentle boil. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes).

Step 4: Stir in Cheese & Pesto

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in your basil pesto, freshly grated Parmesan, and mozzarella. For a silky-smooth sauce, add the cheese in small increments, stirring thoroughly after each handful—this helps the mozzarella melt evenly instead of clumping.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Fold the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken back into the skillet, tossing gently until everything is well coated with that gloriously creamy, herby sauce. Heap the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta onto plates, top with fresh basil and a dusting of black pepper, and serve immediately while it’s silky and warm.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Garnishes

Top each bowl with a rain of freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of torn fresh basil, and a crack of black pepper. For extra visual flair and flavor, add a drizzle of good olive oil—every garnish makes this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta look and taste like it came right from a restaurant kitchen.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides: think a crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette, classic garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes. Their freshness balances the richness of your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner, serve straight from the skillet at the table, family style. Entertaining? Pile the pasta high on a serving platter, twirl individual nests using tongs, or spoon into mini ramekins for an appetizer-sized experience. Finish with a sprinkle of pine nuts or a dollop of extra pesto for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, but it reheats beautifully and transforms lunch boxes into a treat you’ll look forward to!

Freezing

While you can freeze this pasta, the creamy sauce may separate a bit when thawed. If you do freeze: let the dish cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—just know that the texture, though still tasty, will be slightly less silky.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir well and heat until everything is piping hot and creamy once again—don’t overcook or the chicken may become dry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comfort and flavor-packed punch of Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta—every bite is like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just yourself, I hope this recipe brings joy to your table and inspires plenty of cozy pasta nights. Give it a try and let it become a new favorite—enjoy!

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