The Creamiest Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe Ever Made

Creamy pesto chicken pasta brings together a symphony of bold, harmonious flavors that dance across your palate.

Italian-inspired culinary magic revamps ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Vibrant green herbs and rich, velvety sauce create an irresistible combination that elevates weeknight meals from mundane to magnificent.

Tender chicken pieces mingle seamlessly with al dente pasta, creating layers of texture and depth.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through robust seasonings and smooth, luxurious creaminess.

The recipe strikes a perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet sophistication, making it ideal for both casual family dinners and impressive gatherings.

Busy home cooks will appreciate its simplicity and quick preparation.

Standout Features of Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Savor One-Pot Convenience: This recipe eliminates multiple dishes by cooking everything in a single skillet, saving precious cleanup time and making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Enjoy Creamy Comfort: The rich combination of cream cheese, pesto, and Parmesan creates a luxuriously smooth sauce that clings perfectly to tender pasta and chicken, delivering maximum flavor in every bite.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients like optional spinach and sun-dried tomatoes allow home cooks to personalize the dish, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and pantry availability.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes, providing a delicious and satisfying dinner solution for busy families without compromising on taste or nutritional value.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish, choose fresh and trimmed for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce, select freshly grated for maximum flavor.

• Penne Pasta: Hearty pasta shape that holds sauce well, opt for high-quality durum wheat pasta.
• Chicken Broth: Creates depth and moisture in the sauce, low-sodium varieties work best.
• Milk: Provides creaminess and helps create smooth sauce texture.

• Butter, Garlic: Classic combination that builds foundational flavor, use fresh garlic for best taste.
• Cream Cheese: Ensures ultra-creamy sauce texture, allow to soften before adding.
• Basil Pesto: Brings herbaceous, intense flavor to the dish, store-bought or homemade work great.
• Black Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to overall taste.
• Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Optional ingredients that add color, nutrition, and complementary flavors.

Cooking Instructions for Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Slice chicken into bite-sized chunks

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat

Cook chicken until golden and slightly crispy

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet

Sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant

Stir to prevent burning

Step 3: Create Pasta Magic

• Uncooked penne pasta
• Chicken broth

Scrape up browned bits from the bottom

Bring mixture to a rolling boil

Reduce heat to low

Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes

Cook until pasta reaches perfect tenderness

Step 4: Craft Creamy Sauce

• Milk
• Cream cheese
• Pesto

Cook until cream cheese melts completely

Stir continuously for smooth consistency

Step 5: Cheese Transformation

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese

Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated

Allow cheese to melt and blend

Step 6: Optional Flavor Boosters

Toss in fresh spinach leaves

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Cook until spinach wilts slightly

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Dust with cracked black pepper

Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes

Plate immediately while steaming hot

Tips for Getting the Sauce Right in This Pasta Dish

• Maximize Chicken Flavor: Generously season chicken with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance its taste and create a golden-brown exterior.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Stir pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Cream Cheese Melting Trick: Cut cream cheese into small cubes and allow it to soften at room temperature before adding to the sauce for smoother, lump-free integration.
• Pesto Power Boost: Use high-quality, fresh pesto for a more vibrant and authentic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Garnish for Greatness: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves or additional Parmesan cheese on top just before serving to add a burst of freshness and visual appeal.

How to Reheat and Store Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Reheating on Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Microwave Option: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

Great Dishes to Serve with Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Fresh Caprese Salad: Balance the rich, creamy pasta with a light, tangy caprese salad featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
• Complement with Crisp Chardonnay: The buttery, oak-aged white wine cuts through the pasta's creaminess while enhancing the pesto's herbal notes and chicken's savory flavor.
• Serve with Garlic Focaccia Bread: Soak up the delicious sauce with warm, herb-infused focaccia that provides a crispy texture contrast to the smooth pasta dish.
• Add Fresh Arugula Side Salad: Create a zesty green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, peppery counterpoint to the rich and creamy chicken pasta.

Unique Variations for Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Replace pesto with a blend of fresh oregano, thyme, and basil, adding a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Swap pesto for Cajun seasoning, introducing a bold, fiery kick to the classic recipe with added cayenne pepper.
• Roasted Vegetable Chicken Pasta: Incorporate roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant alongside the chicken, creating a colorful and nutritious version of the original dish.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta: Infuse the sauce with fresh lemon zest and extra garlic, brightening the creamy base with tangy, aromatic notes.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pesto chicken pasta delivers Italian-inspired comfort with a luxurious blend of herbs, tender chicken, and al dente pasta. Creamy sauce and fresh basil elevate this simple dinner into a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 3 oz (85 g) cream cheese, cut into chunks

Pasta and Liquid Components:

• ½ lb (227 g) penne pasta
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) basil pesto
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs, Spices, and Optional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups fresh spinach, optional
• ¼ cup (30 g) sliced sun-dried tomatoes, optional
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper

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Instructions

1. Dice chicken into uniform bite-sized morsels, ensuring even cooking and tender texture.
2. Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently browning chicken pieces until golden and slightly crisp on exterior.
3. Introduce freshly minced garlic, allowing aromatic flavors to infuse with chicken for approximately one minute.
4. Add uncooked penne directly into skillet, carefully pouring chicken broth to deglaze pan and lift caramelized bits from bottom.
5. Bring liquid to rolling boil, then reduce heat, cover skillet, and allow pasta to simmer until perfectly tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
6. Incorporate cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating silky smooth base for sauce.
7. Blend pesto into developing sauce, ensuring even distribution of herbaceous green tones throughout dish.
8. Gradually fold in milk, creating luxurious and creamy consistency.
9. Sprinkle grated parmesan, whisking continuously to prevent clumping and promote seamless integration.
10. Optional: Introduce fresh spinach leaves and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing greens to gently wilt and ingredients to meld.
11. Season generously with cracked black pepper and crushed red pepper for balanced heat and complexity.
12. Transfer to serving dish immediately while piping hot, ensuring maximum flavor and optimal dining experience.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes or swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a personalized twist.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making this dish perfect for meal prep enthusiasts.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg