Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Name: Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 400g pasta (penne or farfalle); 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced; 1 cup homemade or store-bought pesto sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish; Olive oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Easy Plates

I absolutely love making Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta on busy weeknights. This dish is both comforting and flavorful, bringing a burst of freshness to our dinner table. The creamy pesto sauce wraps around the pasta beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience. In just 30 minutes, you can create an impressive dish that's perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy dinners. It's a go-to recipe that showcases how simple ingredients can transform a meal into something special.

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2026-02-23T19:05:39.925Z

When I first tried making Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious pesto sauce makes this a favorite in our home. I love using homemade pesto whenever possible, as it adds a vibrant flavor that store-bought versions just can’t replicate. Plus, it gives me a chance to use up fresh basil from my garden!

Another great tip I discovered is to finish cooking the pasta in the sauce for a minute or two. It not only helps the pasta absorb all those delicious flavors, but it also creates a beautifully creamy texture that binds the dish together. In just thirty minutes, you’re ready to serve up a plate of pure comfort that everyone will ask for again!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that coats every strand of pasta
Fresh basil and garlic make for a fragrant, flavorful dish
Quick and easy, perfect for any weeknight meal

Perfecting the Creamy Pesto Sauce

The creamy pesto sauce is what truly elevates this dish, combining fresh basil, garlic, and nuts to provide a rich flavor that balances beautifully with the chicken. Using heavy cream not only adds richness but also helps the sauce cling to the pasta. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess without the extra fat.

To enhance the flavor further, consider toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto. Toasting brings out their natural oils, resulting in a nuttier taste that can significantly enrich your sauce. Monitor the nuts closely; they should be golden brown but not burnt, usually taking about 3-5 minutes over medium heat.

Choosing Your Pasta

The type of pasta you choose can influence the texture and overall experience of your Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta. Penne and farfalle are excellent choices because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite types; just remember to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your pasta.

Cooking pasta until al dente is crucial to achieve the perfect texture that can stand up to the creamy sauce. The texture should be firm to the bite, and if you overcook it, you risk a mushy dish. Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks and taste it a minute before the package instructions indicate.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delectable dish!

Ingredients

400g pasta (penne or farfalle)
2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
1 cup homemade or store-bought pesto sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Olive oil for cooking

Make sure to have everything prepared before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your creamy masterpiece.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken and sauté for about 2 minutes. Stir in the pesto sauce and heavy cream, mixing until combined.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Stir in Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Transfer to plates or a serving dish, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and enjoy your Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta!

Make sure to serve immediately for the best flavor!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe can be a time-saver for busy weeknights, and the components can be prepared ahead. You can cook the chicken and make the pesto sauce in advance; both store well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat the chicken on medium heat in a skillet before adding it to the sauce to warm through.

If you want to take this a step further, consider preparing a larger batch of pesto, which freezes beautifully. Portion it into ice cube trays and freeze; then, pop out a cube whenever you need a quick pasta sauce or spread. This way, you'll have gourmet flavor ready in an instant.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta further, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette—a zesty contrast to the rich pasta. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese can also enhance the presentation and flavor of the dish.

If you want to add more vegetables, roasting cherry tomatoes or sautéing zucchini to mix in can add freshness and extra nutrition. Just toss them in with the chicken before combining with the sauce, allowing their flavors to meld perfectly with the creamy base.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole grain pasta?

Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is a great option for added fiber.

→ Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can skip the chicken and add more vegetables instead.

→ Can I prepare the pesto in advance?

Yes, homemade pesto can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pesto mixture.