Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Let me introduce you to my weeknight hero: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta. This dish brings together tender pieces of chicken, a luxuriously rich pesto-laced cream sauce, and perfectly cooked penne, all bubbling and melty with mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s the kind of meal that turns any ordinary evening into something special, bringing comforting flavors, lovely basil aroma, and fantastic textures all in one pan. If you love easy dinners that deliver big-time flavor with minimal fuss, Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is poised to become a favorite in your rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is that each ingredient pulls its weight in both flavor and comfort. From the vibrant pesto to the melty cheeses and satisfying chicken, every component helps craft a dish that feels deliciously complete and a total crowd-pleaser.

• Penne pasta: Holds sauce beautifully with its ridges, giving every bite loads of flavor and creamy coating.
• Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and a golden start when sautéing the chicken and garlic.
• Garlic cloves: An absolute must for aromatic depth that infuses both the chicken and the cream sauce.
• Italian seasoning: Elevates the chicken with the perfect blend of herbs that echo the basil pesto.
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: The lean, tender protein that’s juicy when cooked just right and soaks up all that lovely pesto sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer and bringing balance to the dish.
• Butter: Lends a creamy, rich base for the roux, which thickens our luscious sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Whisked into butter for a foolproof, smooth, thickened sauce.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory, hearty notes and loosens the cream sauce so it’s silky, not heavy.
• Half and half (or milk/cream): The foundation of that ultra-creamy sauce, with flexibility based on your preferences.
• Freshly grated Parmesan: Adds salty, umami-packed punch and helps bring everything together.
• Freshly shredded Mozzarella: Melts like a dream into the sauce for that irresistible stretch and gooeyness.
• Basil pesto: Packs a big, bold boost of herby, garlicky flavor and vibrant green color—use a little extra if you adore pesto!
• Fresh basil (for garnish): A finishing touch that brings brightness and a pop of fresh, herbal fragrance.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Penne

First, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and toss in your penne. Cook until just al dente—the noodles will finish absorbing flavor in the sauce. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to save a splash of that pasta water in case you want to loosen your sauce later. This step sets the stage for the entire Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta ensemble!

Step 2: Sauté Chicken and Garlic

Heat up your largest, trustiest skillet over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil. Add the minced garlic for an instant burst of dreamy aroma, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Add your diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and let it cook until beautifully golden and just barely cooked through. Give the chicken a couple of stirs to get some color on every side. Once it’s cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and pour out any juices left in the skillet—this keeps our finished sauce nice and creamy, not watery.

Step 3: Build the Roux

Return the skillet to the stove, melt the butter, then sprinkle in the flour and whisk like you mean it. The mixture will bubble and take on a gentle golden hue after about three minutes. This is the magic base for a perfectly thick cream sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Whisk in chicken broth and half and half, stirring constantly to keep things smooth and lump-free. crank the heat just enough to bring the mix up to a gentle boil—then reduce and let it simmer for about five minutes until slightly thickened and utterly luscious. If things start to thicken too fast, lower the heat and keep a watchful eye.

Step 5: Add Cheeses and Pesto

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in that gorgeous basil pesto as well as both cheeses. The key is to add the cheese gradually, mixing it in a bit at a time so the mozzarella melts evenly and doesn’t clump together. This is where the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta really earns its name—the sauce becomes thick, velvety, and gloriously green. Add the pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything to coat it thoroughly in sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Spoon your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil plus a few cracks of black pepper. Serve straight away for maximum creaminess and flavor, and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Garnishes

My favorite way to finish off Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is with an extra handful of chopped fresh basil for freshness and a bit more of that pungent, grassy aroma. For even more flavor, you could scatter some toasted pine nuts on top, a light zesting of lemon, or a little extra grated Parmesan.

Side Dishes

Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread for scooping up every last drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes also pair beautifully, providing a bit of crunch and brightness alongside the rich pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta into individual baking dishes, topping with an extra sprinkle of mozzarella, and broiling for a bubbly, golden-studded crust. Or, portion it out into small ramekins for an impressive dinner party starter. It’s also fantastic piled high on a platter, family-style, with basil leaves scattered over the top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop leftover Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of serving. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, but a splash of milk or broth when reheating will bring back its silky nature.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, but for best results, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. For optimal freshness, consume within 2 months. Note that creamy sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, but a good stir while reheating usually brings the sauce back together.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet or saucepan over low-medium heat, adding a little broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until everything is hot and creamy again. If using the microwave, cover loosely and reheat in bursts, stirring between each go to make sure it heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is fantastic for holding onto creamy sauce, you could use fusilli, rigatoni, shells, or even spaghetti. Just aim for a shape with plenty of nooks and crannies for the sauce to snuggle into.

Is store-bought pesto okay, or should I make my own?

Both work beautifully! If you’re in a hurry, a good-quality store-bought pesto delivers loads of flavor in a jar. But if you have extra time and fresh basil aplenty, homemade pesto lends an unbeatable fragrance and bright color.

Can I make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta vegetarian?

Definitely—just swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, roasted chickpeas, or even more veggies like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Sub in veggie broth for the chicken broth, and you have a delightful vegetarian meal.

How can I prevent the cheese from clumping or getting stringy?

Add the cheese off the heat and stir it in a bit at a time rather than dumping it all in at once. This technique ensures smooth melting, especially for mozzarella, and keeps the sauce creamy and even.

Can I use leftover shredded rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using leftover rotisserie chicken is a brilliant time-saver. Just add it in after making the sauce and heat through—skip the initial chicken-cooking steps for an even quicker Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s equal parts comforting, spectacular, and reliably straightforward, Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is it. I hope it brings as much delight to your table as it does to mine. Treat yourself and your loved ones—you’re going to crave this one again and again!

Print