There’s nothing like a bowl of creamy chicken pesto pasta to turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary. The combination of tender chicken, rich pesto, and velvety cream sauce tossed with al dente pasta creates a dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make.

I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I had leftover pesto and a hungry family to feed. With just a few pantry staples, I managed to create a meal that’s now on constant rotation in our home. Trust me, you’ll want to add this one to your repertoire.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. Here’s why:
First, it’s quick and simple. You can whip up this dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinners.
Second, the flavors are irresistible. The herby brightness of basil pesto blends beautifully with the creamy sauce, creating a rich and satisfying dish that tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen.
Third, it’s versatile and family-friendly. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous palates, this pasta is a hit. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins.
Finally, it’s a one-pot wonder. While you’ll cook the pasta separately, the chicken and sauce come together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Ready to start cooking? Let’s talk about what you’ll need.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its fresh, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make it shine:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. Slice them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and even distribution.
- Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or rotini are ideal choices. Their shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Pesto: Use high-quality store-bought pesto or homemade basil pesto for the best results. The vibrant, herby flavor is the heart of this dish.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce irresistibly rich and creamy. If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half works as a substitute, though the sauce will be less luxurious.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty kick that enhances the sauce. Avoid pre-shredded cheese for a smoother texture.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings depth to the sauce, balancing the richness with its bold, aromatic flavor.
- Butter and Olive Oil: This combination adds flavor and prevents the butter from burning as you cook the chicken.
Optional ingredients like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms can elevate the dish even further. You’ll also need a large skillet and a pot for the pasta.
How To Make This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these steps for a seamless cooking experience:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the pesto, followed by the heavy cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and stir gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss to incorporate. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or a handful of cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
From start to finish, this meal comes together in about 25 minutes – perfect for any night of the week.
Storage Options
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat your creamy chicken pesto pasta:
- Refrigeration: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce as needed.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to get creative! Here are some variation ideas:
- Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or fresh spinach for added texture and nutrition.
- Swap the Protein: Replace the chicken with shrimp, cooked sausage, or even crispy tofu for a different twist.
- Try Different Pesto: Experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or even almond-based pesto for unique flavors.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot chili oil to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lighten It Up: Use Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream for a tangy, lighter sauce.
With so many possibilities, you’ll never tire of this recipe!
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the perfect combination of indulgent and easy, making it a go-to recipe for busy evenings or special occasions. Whip up a batch today, and watch it disappear from your table in no time. Let me know how you made it your own!
PrintCreamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
This creamy chicken pesto pasta recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish packed with tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner, this pasta is guaranteed to be a hit!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the heavy cream and pesto. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the sauce.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade basil pesto for convenience.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
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