If there’s one recipe I’ve made countless times, it’s creamy pesto chicken pasta. This dish is my go-to when I want something comforting yet elegant. With its vibrant basil pesto, tender chicken, and creamy sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, it feels like a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s for a cozy night at home or to impress guests, this recipe has never failed me. Trust me when I say, you’re going to love it too!

Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe — Source: therecipecritic

Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Pasta

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together for a flavorful, satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta (8 ounces): I recommend using penne with ridges, as it clings to the creamy sauce beautifully. However, any short pasta like fusilli or even spaghetti will work.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Chicken breasts are lean and balance out the richness of the sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil adds aromatic depth. Store-bought or homemade works equally well.
Kosher salt and black pepper: For seasoning both chicken and pasta water. Don’t skimp on salt here; it enhances the pasta and sauce flavors.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): This is the base for the rich, velvety sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, try using half-and-half.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup + extra for garnish): Parmesan gives the sauce an umami hit and creamy texture. Always opt for freshly grated over pre-packaged.
Sun-dried tomatoes (1/4 cup): These add a tangy-sweet note that balances the dish. Rinse if packed in oil or substitute with cherry tomatoes.
Basil pesto (1/2 cup): The star of the show! While homemade pesto has unbeatable freshness, a high-quality store-bought version also works.
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Use this to sear the chicken. A fragrant, flavorful olive oil enhances the dish’s overall taste.
Fresh basil leaves: Torn basil sprinkled on top makes a fresh, colorful garnish.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 to 1 teaspoon, optional): Add a subtle kick to balance the creaminess. Adjust based on your spice tolerance.

Note: This recipe serves 4 to 6 people, depending on portion sizes.

Variations

Want to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs? Here are some ideas:

Dairy-Free
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Gluten-Free
Swap regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Protein Swap
Replace chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Extra Flavor Boost
Add sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or a splash of white wine for more depth.

For a side dish idea, consider pairing this soup with Chinese Chicken Fried Rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it takes to whip up this delicious meal:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need fancy tools for this recipe, just a few kitchen essentials:

Large pot
To cook the pasta. A roomy pot ensures the pasta cooks evenly.
Non-stick skillet
For searing the chicken and preparing the sauce.
Strainer
To drain the cooked pasta.
Grater
To freshly grate Parmesan cheese.
Wooden spoon
Perfect for stirring the pasta and sauce together without scratching cookware.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Making this dish is straightforward, even for a beginner chef. Follow these simple steps:

Season & Cook the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and season with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet and sauté the chicken over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked, about 7–8 minutes. Set aside.

Cook the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining.

Make the Sauce

Lower the skillet’s heat and stir the heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes into the pan with the cooked chicken. Stir until the sauce combines and has a creamy consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time.

Combine & Add Pesto

Add the cooked, drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Turn off the heat, mix in the pesto, and taste for seasoning. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Garnish & Serve

Top the pasta with basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From personal experience, these tips can take your pesto chicken pasta to the next level:

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a deeper, more authentic flavor.
Stir the sauce vigorously to ensure the starchy pasta water binds the ingredients.
Want a burst of citrus? Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Avoid overcooking the chicken; bite-sized pieces help retain juiciness.
Don’t toss the pasta in cold water after draining; its warmth helps the sauce adhere better.

For a delicious twist, you might also enjoy this Chicken Philly Sandwich Recipe.

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe?

This dish is comforting enough to stand on its own, but you could elevate the presentation with a few simple touches. Serve it in white bowls to make the vibrant green pesto pop visually. Add fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra garnish. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a side salad, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette, for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick rundown of the nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 445
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fat: 23g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While the pesto and cream may slightly separate upon reheating, the dish freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of milk or pasta water to revive the creamy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why this recipe has delighted my friends and family over the years:

Quick & Easy: Done in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Easily adjustable for different dietary preferences or flavor profiles.
Restaurant-Quality: Creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor, just like something you’d order at an Italian trattoria.
Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to adults and kids alike!
Affordable Ingredients: Simple pantry staples come together to create an impressive dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Even simple recipes like this can trip you up. Avoid these pitfalls:

Skipping Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve pasta water. It’s essential for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
Overcooking Chicken: Dry, chewy chicken can ruin the texture. Stop cooking right after the chicken turns golden.
Neglecting to Salt the Pasta Water: This is your only chance to season the pasta itself; don’t skimp!
Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: It doesn’t melt as well as fresh, leaving your sauce grainy.

By paying attention to these details, your pesto chicken pasta will turn out flawlessly, every time. For more chicken inspiration, check out this Chicken Recipes collection.

Ash Tyrrell