Name: Chicken Pesto Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast diced into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon italian seasoning; 2 garlic cloves minced; salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 pound penne pasta or farfalle, rotini; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup half and half; 1/2 cup basil pesto fresh or jarred; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; salt and pepper to taste; fresh basil chopped; extra parmesan for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant pesto, making for a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week. The combination of fresh ingredients and rich flavors transforms simple pasta into something truly special. Each bite boasts a delightful balance of cheesy goodness and herby freshness that’s almost irresistible. You’ll wonder why you ever settled for takeout when you can whip this up in under an hour with just a few pantry staples.

Pin this for later!

I still remember the first time I made this recipe. It was a typical weeknight, busy and tiring, but a craving for something delicious struck me like lightning. Having some leftover chicken and a jar of pesto in the fridge, I decided to throw together a quick pasta dish, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. Since then, this creamy chicken pesto pasta has become a family favorite, celebrated for its rich flavors without the fuss. I promise, whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this dish will impress!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Pesto Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, cheesy goodness meets fresh basil pesto, creating a deliciously comforting dish.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the pesto and fresh basil make this dish a feast for the eyes!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a warm pasta salad for picnics.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cheeses if needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast: Diced into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. Substitute with turkey or tofu for a different protein.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, adding a hint of flavor. You can use avocado oil if preferred.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that gives the dish an aromatic touch; feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings an essential savory flavor that marries perfectly with the pesto.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the flavors in all the ingredients.
1/2 pound penne pasta (or farfalle, rotini): Any short pasta works; reserve a little pasta water for the sauce.
2 tablespoons butter: This helps create a rich roux, enhancing the creaminess of your sauce.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Key to thickening the sauce; whole wheat flour can be a healthier swap.
1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
1 cup half and half: Provides creaminess without being too heavy. You can substitute it with heavy cream for a richer sauce.
1/2 cup basil pesto: Fresh or jarred, this is the flavor star of the dish. Make your own for a special touch.
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Incorporates a salty, nutty flavor. Pecorino Romano is a nice alternative if you want a sharper taste.
1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, delicious melt; use a dairy-free version if needed.
Fresh basil, chopped: A finishing touch for aroma and color.
Extra parmesan for garnish: Because can there ever be too much cheese?

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in 1/2 pound of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which typically takes 9-12 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken in a single layer and season with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 minced garlic cloves, plus salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
Make the roux: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the mixture turns light golden in color.
Build the sauce: Slowly whisk in 1 cup chicken broth, followed by 1 cup half and half. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 3-4 minutes while whisking often until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
Add pesto and cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup basil pesto. Gradually add in 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing well after each addition until everything is melted and the sauce is smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, coating the pasta and chicken well in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm topped with chopped fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of parmesan.

Storing & Reheating

To store your creamy chicken pesto pasta, let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, transfer it to the freezer using a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or a touch of cream to restore the texture and moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy; it should be cooked just until no longer pink.
Make sure to whisk the sauce continuously as you add the chicken broth and half and half to prevent lumps.
If the sauce appears too thick, don’t hesitate to add more reserved pasta water gradually to reach your desired consistency.
For an extra kick, incorporate some red pepper flakes into the chicken seasoning.
Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then cook the pasta fresh just before serving for the best texture.

This creamy chicken pesto pasta brings a comforting flair to your dinner table while being surprisingly simple to whip up. You can customize it with your favorite veggies, like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, or even experiment with different pasta shapes. I hope you take the time to enjoy this delightful dish and make it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! While homemade pesto has its charms, a good-quality store-bought basil pesto can save time and still deliver delicious flavor. Just make sure to check the ingredient list for freshness and quality!

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, definitely! Cherry tomatoes, spinach, or even zucchini are great additions. Sauté them along with the chicken or toss them in with the pasta towards the end for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check the flour used in your chicken broth or opt for a gluten-free brand to maintain the integrity of the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook the pasta, heat the sauce and chicken, and combine. This will ensure everything retains its perfect texture!

⭐ If you make my Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta

Storing & Reheating

Chef’s Helpful Tips