Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Creamy pesto chicken pasta is my go to when I need a quick, rich, and flavorful dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Packed with juicy chicken, tangy tomatoes, and vibrant basil pesto, this creamy pasta recipe delivers on comfort and convenience for weeknight meals. You can prep, cook, and serve this ultimate easy pasta dish even faster than takeout, making it perfect for busy nights or spontaneous guests.

I first made this creamy pesto chicken pasta after a long soccer practice, searching for a meal that was fast but still cozy and satisfying. Now, every bite reminds me of those hectic, laughter filled evenings when dinner needed to be both easy and a family favorite. The herby basil flavors combined with creamy sauce and tender chicken have kept this dish in our dinner rotation for years, and it's always the first thing my daughter requests when she's home from college.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Rotini or penne pasta: These shapes cling to creamy pesto sauce best; look for sturdy pasta that won’t break when tossing and consider gluten free for dietary needs
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean, protein packed, and quick to cook; opt for firm, moist chicken with a pink hue, or swap in thighs or rotisserie chicken for richer flavor
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds depth and richness while helping the chicken brown; try garlic or basil infused oil for extra aroma or use avocado oil as a substitute
• Garlic powder: Delivers gentle garlic flavor and quick prep, ideal for fast meals; use granulated garlic or fresh cloves for a stronger kick
• Salt and pepper: Enhance every element; kosher salt offers better control over seasoning and freshly ground black pepper adds the best flavor
• Cherry tomatoes: Burst with juicy color and freshness; grape or roma tomatoes can also be used based on what’s ripe and available
• Store bought basil pesto: Speeds up prep while providing rich basil flavor; select a vibrant green pesto with visible basil pieces or make homemade for even brighter taste
• Heavy cream: Creates a silky, luscious sauce; half and half or full fat coconut milk are excellent dairy free options
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings savory richness and umami depth; use Pecorino or plant based cheese for vegetarian or dairy free adaptations

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Cook the Pasta for a Perfect Texture:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your rotini or penne. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Boil for 9 to 11 minutes until just al dente, so the pasta remains firm and clings to the creamy pesto sauce without turning mushy. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of the pasta water, which can help adjust the sauce consistency later.

Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor:

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken in a single layer and season generously with garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden on the edges and cooked through, with no pink remaining. Avoid crowding the pan so the chicken browns instead of steaming; work in batches for best caramelization.

Sauté the Cherry Tomatoes to Bring Out Sweetness:

Remove the chicken and set aside. Add halved cherry tomatoes to the same skillet and cook over medium heat undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes. Let them blister and soften, releasing sweet juices and lifting browned bits for a more flavorful sauce. Stir gently and cook until just wilted but still colorful.

Build the Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce:

Lower the heat and pour in basil pesto and heavy cream, stirring vigorously until the two blend into a smooth, pale green sauce. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and continue stirring until melted and thickened, about 2 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and remain glossy.

Combine Chicken and Pasta in the Sauce:

Return cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Using tongs, gently toss to coat every piece with creamy pesto sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Warm everything together for 1 to 2 minutes until evenly heated without overcooking the pasta.

Garnish and Serve Warm:

Transfer to bowls and top with extra grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves for color and fragrance. Serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best texture and flavor experience.

One night after making this creamy pasta, my daughter raved that it tasted better than restaurant takeout and immediately added it to her college recipe list. Discovering that store bought pesto delivers major flavor boosts with zero extra work was a game changer for our weeknight routine. Grated Parmesan made right before serving always elevates the creaminess, and now we keep these staples on hand for those nights when everyone craves a comforting meal.

Smart Swaps and Variations

Swap out rotini or penne for whole wheat, chickpea, or gluten free pasta to fit any dietary need without losing the creamy texture. For a dairy free, creamy pesto chicken pasta, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a vegan cheese in place of Parmesan. If you want to save time, boneless chicken thighs or even shredded rotisserie chicken work perfectly and add extra richness. Explore different pesto varieties such as arugula or sun dried tomato for a unique twist to this beloved dish.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Allow any leftover creamy pesto chicken pasta to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, portion the pasta into freezer safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore silkiness, or microwave in short bursts while stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating.

What to Serve with Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

For a well balanced meal, pair creamy pesto chicken pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette, roasted asparagus or broccoli, and a side of warm, crusty Italian bread. Serve with sparkling water and lemon or a chilled white wine for a refreshing flavor contrast. For special occasions, top plates with cherry tomato confit or an extra dollop of basil pesto to bring out the herby notes.

Nutritional Benefits

Creamy pesto chicken pasta provides a balanced meal with lean protein from chicken breast, complex carbohydrates from pasta, healthy fats from olive oil and cream, and antioxidant rich tomatoes and basil. With gluten free or dairy free swaps, this popular dish serves a wide range of dietary needs, giving you about 25 grams of protein and 600 calories per serving. Using fresh ingredients ensures each bite is both nourishing and flavorful.

Recipe Success Tips

If the creamy pesto sauce becomes too thick or begins to separate, simply whisk in a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to restore its smoothness. Avoid overcooking the pasta, especially when reheating, by using low heat and gentle stirring. For golden, flavorful chicken, always cook in a single layer and avoid crowding, letting each piece caramelize for extra richness in your dish.

Creamy pesto chicken pasta is the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and Italian inspired flavor all in one dish. Try it for your next weeknight dinner and see just how quickly it disappears from your table.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto brings fresh, vibrant flavor and works beautifully in this dish.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Rotini or penne are excellent choices, as they hold the creamy sauce well.

→ How can I make it lighter?

Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream, and use less cheese for a lighter sauce.

→ Can this dish be made ahead?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge and gently reheat in a skillet.

→ Are there other toppings I can add?

Try a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or fresh basil leaves for added flavor and crunch.