Oh my gosh, you have to try this creamy chicken pesto pasta! It’s my absolute go-to when I need something quick but still feels special – like those nights when you’re starving but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I first made this recipe when my sister unexpectedly dropped by for dinner, and now she begs me to make it every time she visits. The way the rich pesto blends with the cream creates this luxurious sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly. And the best part? It comes together faster than you can say “takeout!”
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Trust me, this isn’t just another pasta recipe – it’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s why it’s become a staple in my kitchen:
- It’s ready in 25 minutes flat – perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” panic moments
- The creamy pesto sauce feels indulgent but isn’t overly heavy
- You can customize it endlessly – swap chicken for shrimp or add your favorite veggies
- Even picky eaters go crazy for the bright, herby flavor
Seriously, I’ve made this for date nights, potlucks, and tired Tuesday evenings – it never disappoints!
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Okay, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make this dreamy dish come together. I’m pretty flexible with ingredients (hello, kitchen improviser here!), but these are my tried-and-true favorites for getting that perfect creamy pesto magic:
- 8 oz pasta – I’m partial to fettuccine or penne, but use whatever shape makes you happy
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces (boneless, skinless – keep it simple!)
- 1/2 cup pesto – homemade if you’re feeling fancy, or grab your favorite jarred version (no judgment here!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – this is what gives that luscious, velvety texture we’re after
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan – plus extra for serving because, let’s be real, is there ever enough cheese?
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for beautifully golden chicken
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t skimp on seasoning that chicken!
Pro tip from my many (many) times making this: measure out everything before you start cooking. It makes the process so much smoother when you’re not scrambling to find ingredients mid-sauté!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe moves quickly once you start, so have all your ingredients ready to go. I promise it’s easier than it looks – just follow these simple steps and you’ll be twirling that perfect creamy pesto pasta in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first – get that pasta boiling! I always use a big pot of well-salted water (it should taste like the sea). Cook your pasta just until al dente – usually about 1 minute less than the package says. You want a little bite to it because it’ll keep cooking when we mix it with the sauce later. Pro tip: Save about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining – it’s magical for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken and season generously with salt and pepper – this is your chance to build flavor! Cook until the chicken is golden and no longer pink inside, about 5-6 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or you’ll steam the chicken instead of getting those beautiful browned bits. I usually do this in two batches if I’m making a bigger portion.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Here’s where the magic happens! Reduce the heat to low and stir in your pesto and heavy cream. The low heat is crucial – you want everything to blend together gently without breaking. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and heated through. If it seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it’s just right.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Now for the best part – toss your drained pasta into that glorious sauce until every strand is coated. I like to do this right in the skillet for maximum flavor absorption. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Plate it up with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan (because more cheese is always better), and maybe some fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately while it’s gloriously creamy and hot!
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
After making this dish more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tips for the best creamy chicken pesto pasta every single time:
- Don’t overcook the pasta – that al dente bite is crucial since it softens in the sauce
- Warm the cream first – take the chill off to prevent curdling when mixing
- Reserve pasta water – that starchy liquid is gold for thinning the sauce perfectly
- Toast your pine nuts – if using homemade pesto, this adds incredible depth
Oh, and always taste before serving – sometimes a pinch more salt makes all the difference!
Variations for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
This recipe is like my favorite little black dress – endlessly adaptable! Try tossing in sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet-tangy pop, or stir in baby spinach right at the end for some greens. Not feeling chicken? Shrimp works beautifully (just cook it for 2-3 minutes instead). The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken pesto pasta shines all on its own, but I love pairing it with garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing cuts through the richness perfectly. For special occasions, add a glass of crisp white wine – pure heaven!
Storing and Reheating Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra creamy chicken pesto pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow – I add a splash of milk or water and warm it gently on the stove, stirring often to keep that creamy texture perfect. For freezer storage, skip the Parmesan topping and freeze for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating). Pro tip: The sauce may separate a bit after freezing – just stir vigorously while reheating to bring it back together!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating (because I know you’re curious!): Each serving of this creamy chicken pesto pasta has about 450 calories with 28g protein. Remember, nutritional values are estimates and vary by ingredients – especially depending on your pesto and pasta choices! For more general information on healthy eating, check out resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
FAQs About Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Oh honey, I’ve tried – and while milk works in a pinch, it won’t give you that luscious, velvety texture we’re after. The cream’s higher fat content prevents separation and creates that dreamy sauce. If you must substitute, try half-and-half and add a pat of butter!
What if my sauce is too thick?
No worries! That reserved pasta water is your best friend. Add it a tablespoon at a time until your creamy chicken pesto pasta reaches perfect saucy bliss. The starch helps emulsify everything beautifully.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the chicken and toss in roasted mushrooms or zucchini instead. The pesto and cream combo is so flavorful, you won’t miss the meat. I’ve even used chickpeas for protein – delicious!
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta in Just 25 Minutes – Heavenly!
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and delicious creamy chicken pesto pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in pesto and heavy cream.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade pesto.
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor.
- Adjust cream for desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pesto pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner