Zesty Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe That Wows Every Time

Comfort meets elegance in this mouthwatering creamy chicken pesto pasta that promises to steal the show at any dinner table.

The rich, herbaceous notes of homemade pesto blend seamlessly with tender chicken and silky pasta.

Each forkful delivers a burst of fresh basil and creamy goodness that dances across your palate.

Weeknight meals never looked this sophisticated or tasted this incredible.

The sauce coats every strand of pasta with a luxurious, velvety texture that beckons you to take another bite.

Restaurant-quality flavors emerge from this simple yet stunning dish.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible culinary creation.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Highlights

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This creamy chicken pesto pasta is a delightful culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Create a Weeknight Miracle: Packed with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish transforms ordinary cooking into an extraordinary meal without complex techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap chicken for shrimp, add extra veggies, or adjust cheese quantities to match your family's taste preferences, making it a versatile recipe for any appetite.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: With restaurant-inspired flavors and a rich, creamy sauce, this pasta delivers gourmet satisfaction without the expensive bill or complicated preparation.

Ingredients for Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Pasta: A classic pasta base that provides a hearty foundation for the creamy chicken dish.
• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substantial flavor and texture to the meal.
• Pesto: A vibrant sauce that brings rich herbal and nutty notes to the pasta.

• Half & Half, Butter, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These creamy ingredients create a luxurious and smooth sauce with deep, rich flavor.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: These ingredients enhance the overall taste profile and add depth to the chicken and sauce.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the chicken and prevent sticking.

• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional liquid and savory flavor to the sauce.
• Fresh Basil: A fresh garnish that adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.

Chicken Pesto Pasta Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

Drain water and set pasta aside in a colander.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat skillet over medium heat.

• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook chicken until golden and no longer pink.

Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Return skillet to stove.

Melt butter and whisk in flour, creating a smooth roux.

Cook until golden and fragrant.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Half & half

Whisk continuously and simmer until sauce thickens and reduces slightly.

Step 5: Blend Flavors

Remove from heat.

• Pesto
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan cheese

Add cooked chicken and pasta.

Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Top with fresh chopped basil and cracked black pepper.

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Pasta Tips for Creamy Perfection

• Choose high-quality pasta like fettuccine or linguine for better sauce absorption and texture.
• Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Stir flour constantly while cooking to prevent burning and create a smooth, golden base for the sauce.
• Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
• Use freshly chopped basil just before serving to enhance the dish's aroma and flavor profile.

Tasty Twists on Pesto Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace half & half with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of mozzarella and parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled portobello mushrooms, maintaining the rich pesto and creamy sauce profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce without gluten.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes and swap Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Chicken Pesto Pasta at the Table

• Pasta Party Platter: Arrange the creamy chicken pesto pasta on a large wooden board, surrounded by fresh basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, and extra parmesan shavings for a stunning presentation.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the skillet, letting everyone dig in with warm garlic bread and a crisp side salad for a comforting, casual meal.
• Gourmet Lunch Bowl: Pack individual portions in meal-prep containers with a small container of extra pesto on the side for a delicious work or school lunch that stays creamy and fresh.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, herbal flavors with a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to elevate the dining experience.

Storage for Leftover Pesto Pasta

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the creamy texture.
• Carefully pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or half & half to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Consume refrigerated pasta within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and texture. Avoid repeated reheating, as this can break down the sauce and dry out the chicken.

FAQs

• What makes pesto such a key ingredient in this dish?

Pesto adds a rich, herbal flavor profile with fresh basil, garlic, and parmesan cheese that elevates the creamy sauce and gives the pasta a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired taste.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while the recipe works great with traditional pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne, you can easily substitute with other pasta varieties like rotini, farfalle, or rigatoni that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken pesto pasta can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this chicken pesto pasta, blending Italian culinary traditions with home-kitchen simplicity. Fresh basil, tender chicken, and al dente pasta unite in a harmonious meal that delights you with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound (226.8 grams) penne pasta (about 2.5 cups dry)
• 1 pound (453.6 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks

Sauce and Cheese Components:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half (or milk/cream)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (or more, to taste)

Seasoning and Garnish:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish, if desired

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in salted boiling water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
2. Sauté diced chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, incorporating minced garlic and italian seasoning. Cook at medium heat until chicken turns golden and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
3. Create a roux by melting butter in the same skillet, whisking in flour until achieving a light golden color and nutty aroma, roughly 2-3 minutes.
4. Gradually incorporate chicken broth and half & half into the roux, stirring continuously. Simmer at medium-low temperature for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes velvety.
5. Reduce heat and fold in pesto and grated cheeses, ensuring smooth integration. Gently mix in reserved pasta and chicken, coating every ingredient evenly.
6. Transfer to serving dish, garnish with fresh basil leaves and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately while sauce remains creamy and warm.

Notes

• Perfectly Al Dente Pasta Ensure pasta is cooked just until tender with a slight bite, which prevents mushiness and helps the sauce cling better.
• Chicken Seasoning Technique Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior and lock in maximum flavor.
• Roux Mastery Whisk flour and butter continuously to prevent burning and create a smooth, lump-free base for the creamy sauce.
• Cheese Melting Hack Add cheese gradually off the heat to prevent clumping and create a silky, even sauce texture.
• Gluten-Free Modification Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Alternative Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg