If you’re craving a dish that balances comforting creaminess with fresh, vibrant flavors, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chunks of chicken nestled in a luscious sauce made from basil pesto, Parmesan, and mozzarella, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta to create a dish that feels gourmet yet comes together in just about 30 minutes. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and once you try it, it might just become your new go-to weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s delivering bold flavor, creamy texture, or a bright pop of color that lifts the entire dish. From the penne pasta that holds all that saucy goodness to the fresh basil pesto that infuses it with herbal brightness, these essentials make the cooking process straightforward and the results utterly rewarding.
- ½ pound Penne pasta: The sturdy shape captures the sauce perfectly, making every bite flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps cook the chicken evenly.
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced: Brings that classic aromatic backbone to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple mix of dried herbs that deepens the flavor.
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks: Provides tender, lean protein for a hearty meal.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons Butter: Creates a rich base to build the creamy sauce.
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce beautifully without clumps.
- 1 cup Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce light yet flavorful.
- 1 cup Half and half or all milk/cream: Ensures the sauce is luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- ½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan: Delivers sharp, nutty notes that make the sauce irresistible.
- 1 cup Freshly shredded Mozzarella: Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection throughout the pasta.
- ½ cup Basil pesto, or more, to taste: The star ingredient for that unmistakable pesto punch.
- Fresh basil for garnish, if desired: Adds a fresh, herbal finish and a lovely color pop.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by cooking your penne pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. This ensures the pasta has just the right amount of bite to hold up against the creamy sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a skillet, heat the olive oil before adding the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. This allows the garlic to gently release its fragrance without burning. Next, toss in the bite-sized chicken chunks and cook them until they are no longer pink inside, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as you go for balanced flavor. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Now, melt the butter in the same skillet to soak up all the flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Slowly pour in the chicken broth followed by the half and half, whisking until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. This step is the foundation of the creamy texture you’ll love in this pasta.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Stir the basil pesto into your creamy sauce, then fold in the freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella until melted and well combined. Add the cooked penne and chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure each piece is enveloped in that rich, flavorful sauce. This is where the magic happens — the pasta, chicken, and sauce unite to create a perfect, comforting harmony.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and a dash of black pepper on top. Serving the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe hot keeps it tempting and vibrant, letting the melted cheeses stretch with every forkful and the fresh herb garnish brighten every bite.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the classic choice for garnishing this dish, lending an herbal aroma and vibrant green color that perfectly contrast the rich creaminess. You can also add a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan or cracked black pepper to elevate the flavors and add a little bit of extra visual appeal. These simple touches turn a wonderful meal into an unforgettable one.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with crisp side salads featuring tangy vinaigrettes, such as arugula and cherry tomatoes dressed with lemon juice. Garlic bread or crunchy focaccia can complement the creamy texture by adding a fun, crunchy element. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, bring healthy balance and freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce glistening against the chicken chunks. For a crowd, a large serving dish garnished with additional herbs and shaved Parmesan invites everyone to dig in family-style. Adding a drizzle of infused olive oil or a handful of toasted pine nuts on top can also add exciting texture and flavor twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making your next meal just as enjoyable.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe freezes well if you want to stash it for busy days. Use a freezer-safe container, and it will keep nicely for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that pasta texture may soften slightly after freezing and reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and ensure the sauce warms evenly. This way, your pasta stays just as luscious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great because it holds sauce well, other shaped pastas like fusilli, rotini, or rigatoni would work wonderfully too, capturing that creamy pesto sauce in every twist and turn.
What if I don’t have fresh basil pesto? Can I use store-bought?
Yes, store-bought pesto is a fantastic shortcut and works perfectly in this recipe. Just adjust the quantity to your taste, as some brands are more intense than others.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. You can simply omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even chickpeas for extra texture and protein. The sauce remains just as delicious and creamy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for olive oil, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and select dairy-free cheese alternatives. The pesto should be checked since some contain Parmesan, but there are vegan pesto options available.
How spicy is this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe?
This recipe is mild and friendly for most palates. If you like a little heat, feel free to sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the chicken to add a gentle kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Its rich, comforting sauce paired with fresh pesto flavor is wildly satisfying and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find it becoming a cherished staple in your cooking rotation!
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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta combines tender chicken breast with a rich, cheesy pesto sauce and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering. The sauce is a luscious blend of butter, flour, chicken broth, half and half, fresh Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, enriched with vibrant basil pesto and fragrant garlic.
Ingredients
Pasta
- ½ pound Penne pasta (about 2 ½ cups dry, half of a one-pound box)
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Half and half (or milk/cream)
- ½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Freshly shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Basil pesto, or more to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Black pepper, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; sauté briefly until fragrant. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half and half, allowing the mixture to simmer while stirring until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the basil pesto into the sauce, then add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Mix well until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together to coat evenly in the creamy pesto sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to serving plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper, and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use fresh pesto for the best flavor or store-bought pesto will also work well.
- For a lighter version, substitute half and half with milk or a lower-fat dairy option.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- You can substitute penne pasta with other types like fusilli or rigatoni if desired.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
