Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce

Name: Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 400g of penne pasta; 2 chicken breasts, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 200ml heavy cream; 100g basil pesto; 50g grated parmesan cheese; 1 clove garlic, minced

Highlighted under: Cozy Ideas

I absolutely love making Chicken Pasta with Creamy Pesto Sauce when I’m looking for a comforting yet quick meal. The freshness of the basil pesto paired with tender chicken and creamy sauce makes this dish incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s super easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top to elevate each bite. Let me show you how to create this delightful dish in just under 30 minutes!

Created by

Marigold Pearson

Last updated on 2026-02-28T10:29:35.465Z

From the first time I made this Chicken Pasta with Creamy Pesto Sauce, I was hooked. The combination of savory chicken, rich cream, and vibrant pesto creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. I remember trying to replicate a dish I had at a restaurant, and this recipe turned out to be even better!

One tip that really makes a difference is to reserve a little pasta water while cooking. This starchy water helps to bind the sauce and pasta together beautifully, ensuring each bite is creamy and full of flavor. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Rich creamy texture with the freshness of basil pesto
Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
Versatile with endless customization options

Achieving the Perfect Pasta

Cooking pasta to perfection is often underestimated. For this Chicken Pasta with Creamy Pesto Sauce, ensure you follow the package instructions for your penne, targeting an al dente texture. This means the pasta should have a slight bite to it, which creates a better mouthfeel against the creamy sauce. Look for visual cues like a firm yet tender feel when you taste it. If overcooked, the pasta can become mushy and won't hold up well in the dish.

Don't forget to salt your pasta water generously; it should taste like the sea. This step is crucial, as it infuses flavor into the pasta itself. Once drained, saving a cup of the starchy pasta water might seem like an extra step, but it is a chef's secret weapon for adjusting the sauce's consistency, ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta.

Sautéing Chicken Like a Pro

When sautéing the diced chicken, make sure your skillet is preheated to medium heat before adding olive oil. This helps create a golden crust, locking in juices and enhancing flavor. If the chicken pieces are added too soon, they may steam instead of brown, resulting in a less appealing texture. Look for a golden-brown color and ensure the chicken is cooked through – the internal temperature should hit 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Seasoning is key! Salt and pepper should be added at the beginning to ensure the chicken absorbs these flavors. Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor that complements the creamy pesto sauce beautifully.

Customization and Variations

One of the most appealing aspects of this Chicken Pasta with Creamy Pesto Sauce is its versatility. Feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini. Simply sauté these with the chicken or stir them into the sauce for a burst of color and added nutrients. If you're looking for a protein alternative, diced tofu or chickpeas work perfectly in this dish, making it suitable for vegetarian diets.

If you want to switch up the flavors, consider experimenting with different nut-based pestos. Sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto can provide a delightful twist while maintaining the creaminess of the sauce. Additionally, for those observing dietary restrictions, using coconut cream instead of heavy cream can yield a dairy-free version without sacrificing texture.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process:

For the Pasta and Chicken

400g of penne pasta
2 chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Pesto Sauce

200ml heavy cream
100g basil pesto
50g grated parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced

Ensure all your ingredients are prepped and ready for a hassle-free cooking experience.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Make the Sauce

Reduce heat to low, and add minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds. Then, stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto, mixing until combined and heated through.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Finish with grated parmesan before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce right away!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Chicken Pasta with Creamy Pesto Sauce is a great dish to prep ahead of time. You can cook the pasta and chicken a day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply combine them in a skillet, add the sauce, and heat until warmed through. This allows for a quick weeknight meal that's ready in minutes without the need to start from scratch each time.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, consider using a low heat setting in a skillet to prevent the sauce from breaking. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage; this will help revive its creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish stands wonderfully on its own, a few additions can enhance the dining experience. Pairing the pasta with a simple side salad, garnished with citrus vinaigrette, offers a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the sauce. Additionally, crusty garlic bread provides a great vehicle to soak up any extra sauce on the plate, making it a satisfying meal that feels complete.

For a finishing touch, consider a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or extra grated parmesan cheese on top just before serving. This not only adds texture but also deepens the overall flavor profile of the dish. A few fresh basil leaves can elevate the presentation and enhance that fresh basil note from the pesto.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto can save time and still provide great flavor.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk mixed with cornstarch for a lighter option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best to avoid freezing the creamy sauce, but you can freeze the cooked pasta and chicken separately. If combined, just be aware the sauce may change in texture upon thawing.