The creamy chicken pesto pasta is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re sitting down to a warm, comforting meal after a long day. The rich, velvety sauce clings to every piece of pasta, while the earthy, vibrant pesto brings a burst of flavor with each bite. The succulent chicken adds a savory depth that balances the bright, herbal notes of basil and garlic. It’s like the sauce is hugging the pasta, and you can’t help but scoop up every last bite, wanting more. What makes this dish even better is how easy it is to prepare. With a handful of ingredients, you can turn a simple weeknight dinner into something special, without any fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a solo indulgence, this creamy chicken pesto pasta is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good, not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s homemade with love. And don’t forget—if you have any leftovers (which is a big “if”), it’s even better the next day, with the flavors melding together into something even more irresistible.
Key Ingredients in Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a role in building the rich, satisfying flavors that come together so effortlessly. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this creamy chicken pesto pasta:
* Fettuccine or pasta of choice
The pasta is the base of this dish, providing the perfect vehicle to carry all the creamy goodness. Fettuccine’s broad, flat shape makes it an ideal choice for the rich sauce, but you can swap it out for any pasta you prefer—spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free options.
* Cooked shredded chicken or diced cooked chicken breast
Tender, juicy chicken adds a savory depth to the dish. Whether you shred it or dice it, the chicken perfectly complements the creamy pesto sauce, making it hearty enough for a satisfying meal.
* Pesto sauce
Pesto is the heart and soul of this dish, infusing it with vibrant flavors of fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil. Its herbal richness is the perfect match for the creamy sauce, giving the pasta a fresh, aromatic kick that brightens the whole dish.
* Heavy cream
The heavy cream is the magic that transforms pesto into a luxuriously smooth sauce. It balances out the bold flavors of the pesto and adds a velvety richness that coats the pasta in all its creamy goodness.
* Grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan brings a nutty, salty flavor that enhances the depth of the dish. It also helps to thicken the sauce slightly, giving it a perfect, luscious consistency that clings to every bite of pasta.
* Olive oil
A little drizzle of olive oil helps to sauté the garlic and adds a touch of richness to the overall dish. It also helps bring the pesto and cream together, creating a harmonious sauce that’s full of flavor.
* Garlic, minced
Garlic brings an aromatic depth that is essential to any Italian-inspired dish. In this recipe, it’s sautéed until fragrant, creating a beautiful base note for the pesto and cream to mingle with.
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
These seasonings are the key to bringing all the flavors into balance. The salt enhances the savory elements, while the pepper adds a subtle heat that kicks the dish up a notch.
* Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Fresh basil leaves not only add a pop of color but also bring an extra burst of fresh basil flavor. It’s the perfect finishing touch to make the dish look and taste even more delightful.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Fill a generously sized pot with water, add a good pinch of salt—this is your opportunity to season your pasta from the inside out. Turn the heat up to high and wait for those bubbles to dance and pop, signaling that the water is ready for cooking.
2. Add the fettuccine or pasta of your choice to the boiling water.
Carefully drop your pasta into the boiling water. Stir gently at first to prevent sticking, especially for longer noodles like fettuccine. This helps ensure an even cook throughout.
3. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
Keep an eye on the clock—al dente means the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite, giving it that perfect texture for combining with the sauce. Taste-test a piece a minute or two before the timer to check for doneness.
4. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil into a skillet large enough to hold your cooked chicken and sauce later. Heating the oil gradually over medium heat prepares a flavorful base for sautéing.
5. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant and slightly golden.
Toss the minced garlic into the pan, stirring constantly to prevent burning. You’ll notice it turn fragrant and develop a lovely golden color—this is your aromatic cue that it’s ready for the next step.
6. Add the cooked shredded or diced chicken breast to the skillet, stirring occasionally to combine with the garlic and olive oil.
Gently introduce your pre-cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the garlic and oil mixture. This step warms up the chicken and lets it soak up those lovely flavors.
7. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken, adjusting quantities to suit your preference. Remember, the pesto already has salt, so taste your dish before over-seasoning.
8. Pour the pesto sauce into the skillet, stirring well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
Add your vibrant, herbaceous pesto—a generous spoonful or more depending on your taste—to the skillet. Use a spatula or spoon to stir, ensuring every piece of chicken is coated in that fresh basil goodness.
9. Reduce the heat to low and let the pesto sauce warm through for about 2-3 minutes.
Gentle heat helps meld the flavors without cooking out the pesto’s fresh herbs. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
10. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a luscious, velvety sauce. Watch as the mixture transforms into a smooth, rich consistency—almost like a luxurious blanket for your pasta.
11. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan slowly while stirring, so it melts seamlessly into the sauce. This step adds depth, nuttiness, and that perfect cheesy sheen to your dish.
12. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.
Give your sauce a little taste—adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice if you crave a touch of brightness.
13. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.
Carefully drain your pasta in a colander, but before you toss it away, scoop out a few tablespoons of the pasta water. This starchy water is your secret weapon for fixing the sauce if it gets too thick later.
14. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the pesto sauce and chicken, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the creamy pesto sauce.
Use tongs or a large spoon to lift and toss the pasta in the skillet, evenly coating each strand with the delicious sauce. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
15. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Gradually stir in small spoonfuls of the reserved pasta water until the sauce loosens slightly, giving you that perfect, creamy coating without being gloopy.
16. Continue tossing the pasta for a couple more minutes, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Keep gently stirring and tossing to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to cling beautifully to every strand.
17. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the creamy chicken pesto pasta immediately.
Turn off the heat, dish out your pasta onto plates or bowls, and enjoy it while it’s warm and irresistibly creamy.
18. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and extra flavor, if desired.
Top each serving with a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of green, an extra layer of aromatic freshness, and a picture-perfect presentation.
19. Serve and enjoy your creamy chicken pesto pasta!
Sit back, scoop up a forkful, and indulge in a dish made with love—your taste buds will thank you!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Oh, the wonderful thing about this dish is how beautifully versatile it is — it can be dressed up or kept cozy and simple! Here are a few ideas to elevate your creamy chicken pesto pasta experience:
* Pair it with a crisp, green salad.
Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette—something fresh and crunchy to cut through the richness of the pasta. It’s like a refreshing breath of spring on your plate!
* Add a side of warm, toasted bread or garlic bread.
There’s something irresistible about dipping a crusty piece of bread into that velvety sauce. Plus, it’s great for scooping up every last bit without leaving a drop behind.
* Serve with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime really enhances those herbal and cheesy notes. It’s all about creating a lovely, balanced dining experience that feels like a mini celebration.
So, what’s your favorite way to serve pasta dishes? Do you love those simple sides like bread and salad, or do you like to go all out with a fancy wine pairing? I’d love to hear your ideas!
How to Store Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (lucky, because this dish is seriously tempting), here’s how to store it to keep that creamy goodness intact for the next day:
* In the fridge
Store your leftover creamy chicken pesto pasta in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce, which can make it a bit thicker, but it’ll still taste amazing. When you’re ready to reheat, just add a splash of water or cream to loosen it up.
* Freezing for later
You can freeze the pasta if you want to keep it around longer. Divide the leftovers into individual portions, place them in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a little extra cream or pasta water to revive its creamy texture.
* Reheating
When reheating your creamy chicken pesto pasta, the stovetop is your best friend. Gently heat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a little dry, add some reserved pasta water or a dash of cream to bring it back to life. Don’t rush the process—low and slow is the key to keeping that creamy texture smooth and luscious.
Storing it the right way ensures that every bite is just as comforting as the first. Do you prefer your leftovers cold, or are you all about that reheated magic? I’m curious!
Conclusion
And there you have it, the ultimate creamy chicken pesto pasta that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite in your home! From the rich, velvety sauce to the juicy chicken and fresh basil, each bite is pure comfort and flavor. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and the leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) taste even better the next day!
This dish is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, no matter how busy or tired you are. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a well-deserved dinner, creamy chicken pesto pasta is sure to please everyone at the table.
I’d love to hear how your pasta turned out! Do you have any little tweaks you like to add, or any tips that make it even more special in your kitchen? Drop me a comment or ask any questions if you’re giving this a try—I’m always here to help!
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Description
Rich, velvety chicken pesto pasta brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy basil pesto sauce that’s bursting with fresh, aromatic flavors. Every bite is a comforting harmony of savory, herby goodness—perfectly satisfying!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
-
Add the fettuccine or pasta of your choice to the boiling water.
-
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
-
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant and slightly golden.
-
Add the cooked shredded or diced chicken breast to the skillet, stirring occasionally to combine with the garlic and olive oil.
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Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Pour the pesto sauce into the skillet, stirring well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
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Reduce the heat to low and let the pesto sauce warm through for about 2-3 minutes.
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Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
-
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
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Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.
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Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.
-
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the pesto sauce and chicken, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the creamy pesto sauce.
-
If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
-
Continue tossing the pasta for a couple more minutes, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
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Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the creamy chicken pesto pasta immediately.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and extra flavor, if desired.
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Serve and enjoy your creamy chicken pesto pasta!
Note
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid it becoming too soft when tossed in the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, creamier texture in the sauce.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce.
- To make it lighter, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.
- For extra texture, toast some pine nuts or walnuts and sprinkle them over the dish before serving.
