Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe: Creamy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make

If you’re craving something that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, look no further than Pesto Chicken Pasta. With tender chicken, a rich and aromatic pesto sauce, and your favorite pasta, this dish is the perfect balance of fresh ingredients and savory goodness. Whether you’re making dinner for the family, preparing a meal for guests, or simply treating yourself, this pesto chicken pasta recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe step by step, offer tips to make it even better, and share storage advice so you can enjoy this dish more than once. Let’s dive right into it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delicious pesto chicken pasta, gather the following ingredients:

2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound (450g) pasta (any shape you prefer)
1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy version)
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice (for extra brightness)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for freshness)
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions in salted water. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside. Save a cup of pasta water for later, as it’s great for adjusting the sauce consistency.
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Combine with Pesto: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the basil pesto and stir in the heavy cream if you’re making a creamy version of the sauce. Mix well, allowing the sauce to heat up and combine with the leftover bits of chicken flavor from the pan.
Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the pesto sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Add Chicken and Garnish: Add the sliced chicken to the pasta and toss again to combine. For added freshness, toss in halved cherry tomatoes. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
Serve: Plate the pesto chicken pasta and serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

Recipe Notes

Pesto: You can use store-bought pesto for convenience, but homemade pesto gives the dish a fresher, more vibrant flavor. If you’re making your own, simply blend fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil until smooth.
Creamy Version: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add heavy cream or even some milk to the pesto sauce. You can also add a little cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Pasta Choices: While traditional pasta works well, you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to meet dietary preferences.

Time and Serving

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yields: 4 servings

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Pasta

This dish is perfect for serving on its own, but you can easily enhance your meal with a few simple sides:

Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, buttery garlic bread for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will add some crunch and balance out the richness of the pesto.
Wine Pairing: For a complete dining experience, pair the pesto chicken pasta with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp rosé.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large pot for cooking pasta
Large skillet for cooking the chicken and making the pesto sauce
Knife and cutting board for slicing the chicken and tomatoes
Tongs or pasta spoon for tossing the pasta

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Calories: 550
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 35g

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

Resting the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures it stays juicy and tender when sliced.
Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water helps the sauce stick to the noodles and adds a velvety texture. Don’t skip this step if the sauce is too thick!
Homemade Pesto: If you have time, making your own pesto can elevate this dish to another level. Try adding some roasted garlic or toasted nuts for a unique twist.
Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like spinach, peas, or artichoke hearts to give the dish extra flavor and nutrition.

How to Store

If you have leftovers (and this dish makes great leftovers!), here’s how to store them:

Refrigeration: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: This pasta doesn’t freeze well due to the pesto sauce and cream, which can change texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately for later use in a different dish.

FAQs

Yes, you can skip the chicken and make a delicious vegetarian pesto pasta by adding vegetables like roasted zucchini or mushrooms.

Absolutely! You can make the pesto sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to cover it with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning.

Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of this pesto chicken pasta.

Yes, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even cashews in place of pine nuts if that’s what you have on hand.

For a little kick, add red pepper flakes to the pesto sauce or toss in some freshly chopped chili peppers.

Final Thoughts

This Pesto Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors that will make any meal feel special. It’s a versatile dish that can easily be customized to suit your taste, whether you prefer a creamy sauce or a lighter, more vibrant pesto. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a comforting meal in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving friends and family, this dish is sure to impress. So, next time you’re craving something delicious and easy to make, turn to this pesto chicken pasta—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Enjoy!