Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta-Easy Dinner Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the ultimate weeknight warrior, a dish that promises comfort, flavor, and pure culinary bliss with every single bite. Have you ever craved something that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to pull together? This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is precisely that. It’s no wonder this dish has captured so many hearts (and stomachs!). People adore it for its harmonious blend of tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. What truly sets this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta apart is the way the rich creaminess perfectly complements the zesty, herbaceous punch of homemade or store-bought pesto, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. Get ready to experience a meal that will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

this Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

There are some meals that just feel like a warm hug in a bowl, and this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is definitely one of them. It’s incredibly satisfying, bursting with fresh basil flavor from the pesto, and has a luxurious creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta and tender chicken perfectly. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something impressive yet surprisingly easy to make, or for a cozy weekend meal. The combination of savory chicken, al dente pasta, and that vibrant pesto sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up some of that fresh basil you might have growing, or to quickly assemble a gourmet-tasting dish with good quality jarred pesto.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started on creating this delicious masterpiece!

1. Prepare the Chicken

The first step is to get our chicken ready. Dice the boneless, skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and is easy to eat with the pasta. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated. You want the garlic and seasoning to really infuse into the chicken. You can let this marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you start boiling your pasta water, or even longer in the refrigerator if you have the time.

2. Cook the Pasta and Sear the Chicken

Now, let’s get cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for your pasta. Add the penne pasta (or your chosen shape) and cook according to package directions until al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure it sears nicely rather than steams. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about any little bits stuck to the bottom of the pan; those are full of flavor!

3. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce Base

This is where the magic truly begin extracts. Reduce the heat of the skillet to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet where you cooked the chicken. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes. This is called a roux, and it’s what will thicken our sauce. You want the roux to be a pnon-alcoholic ale golden color; don’t let it burn. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring you scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue whisking until the sauce starts to thicken. Then, pour in the half and half and stir until well combined and smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and creamy.

4. Incorporate Pesto and Cheeses

Now it’s time to add the star flavors! Remove the skillet from the heat briefly to prevent the pesto from losing its vibrant color and fresh taste. Stir in the basil pesto until it’s fully incorporated into the creamy sauce. You’ll see the sauce transform into a beautiful green hue. Return the skillet to low heat. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir until it has melted into the sauce. Then, add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until it’s mostly melted and creating that wonderfully gooey texture we love. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the pesto and parmesan are already salty, so taste before adding too much.

5. Combine and Serve

Once the sauce is smooth, creamy, and perfectly seasoned, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. If you’ve drained your pasta, add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet as well. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the luscious pesto cream sauce. Let it simmer for another minute or two to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb some of that delicious sauce. Serve the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta immediately. Garnish generously with freshly chopped basil for an extra burst of fresh flavor and a pop of color. This dish is fantastic on its own, but a side salad or some crusty bread would be wonderful accompaniments. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a recipe for incredibly delicious and satisfying Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta that’s perfect for weeknights or impressing guests! This dish truly shines because of its simplicity, the vibrant flavors of fresh pesto, and the luxurious creaminess that coats every strand of pasta and tender piece of chicken. It’s a meal that feels both comforting and elegant, and I’m confident you’ll absolutely love making and eating it.

Serving this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is wonderfully versatile. It’s fantastic on its own, but a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread makes it even more special. For variations, feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or even white beans for a vegetarian option. You could also add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweet tangin extractess or some roasted red peppers for an extra layer of flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of pasta too – penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work beautifully. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t regret the deliciousness!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the pesto myself?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto is wonderful and will elevate your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta even further. If you have fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, you can easily blend them together for a truly authentic taste.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make this dish a bit lighter, you can use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of cream slightly and supplement with a little pasta water, or add more vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini.

What if I don’t have fresh basil for pesto?

While fresh basil is ideal, you can use dried basil in a pinch, though you’ll need to adjust the quantity and the flavor will be less vibrant. Some store-bought pesto also offers different herb combinations, which can be a great alternative.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot creamy chicken pesto pasta dish.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
25 Minutes

Total Time
40 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

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
• Fresh basil (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Season chicken breast with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2
   Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Step 3
   Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Step 4
   Stir in half and half, basil pesto, and minced garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5
   Add cooked pasta, cooked chicken, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6
   Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.