Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant pesto. This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness, creating a dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

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I first tried this recipe when I needed a quick dinner that still felt special. With just a few simple ingredients, this pasta dish became an instant favorite, delivering bold flavors and rich textures in every bite. Ready to make it part of your recipe rotation? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite pasta dish. Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta has it all: flavor, ease, and versatility.

First, it’s a quick and easy recipe. You can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you still want a homemade meal.

The flavors are perfectly balanced. The creamy sauce mellows the brightness of the pesto, while the juicy chicken adds heartiness to every forkful.

It’s also a one-pot wonder. By using the same skillet for the chicken and sauce, cleanup is a breeze, and every bite is infused with delicious flavor.

Lastly, this dish is versatile and customizable. Swap the chicken for shrimp, add roasted vegetables, or experiment with different pasta shapes to keep things exciting.

Ingredients Notes

This recipe is all about showcasing simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or farfalle work wonderfully, but any pasta that holds sauce well will do. Look for a sturdy shape to support the creamy pesto sauce.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this dish. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
• Pesto: Store-bought or homemade pesto will work, but use the freshest you can find for the best flavor. Its combination of basil, garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts is the star of the show.
• Heavy Cream: This creates the luscious, creamy base of the sauce. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth and a nutty, salty finish to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken, it helps infuse the dish with flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the pesto and ties the flavors together beautifully.
• Special Equipment: A large skillet or sauté pan is key for cooking the chicken and building the sauce.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta comes together quickly with just a few simple steps.

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.
4. Add the Pesto: Stir the pesto into the cream sauce, mixing until well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy pesto sauce.
6. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with Parmesan cheese and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately and savor the creamy, flavorful goodness!

Storage Options

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated with a few simple steps.

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While the sauce can separate slightly when frozen, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken and pasta.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Add Vegetables: Stir in roasted cherry tomatoes, steamed broccoli, or sautéed spinach for a burst of color and added nutrition.
• Swap the Protein: Replace the chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different spin on the recipe.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Use Different Pesto: Try sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a unique flavor twist.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free pesto and substitute coconut cream or a plant-based alternative for the heavy cream.

No matter how you customize it, this dish is sure to impress with its creamy, herby goodness.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser, combining rich, bold flavors with comforting textures. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try tonight and see just how delicious simple ingredients can be!

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