Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta-Quick & Easy Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel like a special occasion. It’s the ultimate comfort food, effortlessly blending tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a vibrant, herbaceous pesto sauce. But what truly elevates this creamy chicken pesto pasta is its inherent simplicity and incredible flavor payoff. It’s a recipe that consistently wins over even the pickiest eaters, thanks to its rich, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta and every succulent piece of chicken. We all crave meals that are both satisfying and relatively quick to prepare, and this dish delivers on both fronts. The beautiful emerald hue of the pesto, combined with the creamy texture, makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Prepare to fall in love with this sensational pasta dish!

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is an absolute weeknight winner. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something comforting and delicious. The vibrant pesto combined with tender chicken and a luxurious creamy sauce coats every piece of pasta, creating a truly satisfying meal. You’ll love the burst of fresh basil and the savory notes of garlic and parmesan.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Begin extract by preparing your chicken. If you haven’t already, dice your boneless, skinless chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking. In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken to the hot skillet. Season generously with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through. You want to ensure there’s no pinkness remaining in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about the browned bits left in the pan; those are packed with flavor and will add to our sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to get your pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 1/2 pound of penne pasta (or your chosen shape like farfalle or rotini). Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente, meaning it has a slight bite to it. We don’t want mushy pasta! Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining it thoroughly. This reserved water is liquid gold and will help us achieve a wonderfully silky sauce later on.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce Base

Now, let’s create that luscious creamy sauce. In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (no need to wash it – those flavorful bits are essential!), melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, whisk in the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This is called making a roux, and it’s the foundation of our sauce. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly. You want to cook out the raw flour taste and achieve a pnon-alcoholic ale, nutty aroma. It shouldn’t turn brown at this stage.

Step 4: Deglaze and Thicken the Sauce

Gradually whisk in the 1 cup of chicken broth, starting with a small amount and whisking until smooth before adding more. This helps prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce starts to thicken. Now, pour in the 1 cup of half and half, whisking continuously until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season this base sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the pesto and cheese will add more saltiness.

Step 5: Incorporate Pesto and Cheeses

This is where all the magic happens! Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the 1/2 cup of basil pesto. Mix it in until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce turns a beautiful vibrant green. Next, add the 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese and the 1 cup of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy. The mozzarella will give it an extra gooey, indulgent texture.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Then, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick at this point, you can loosen it up by adding a splash or two of the reserved pasta water, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve immediately, garnished with plenty of fresh chopped basil for a burst of freshness and color. This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra splash of milk or cream if it has thickened too much. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a truly delightful and incredibly satisfying Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe that’s perfect for any occasion! This dish truly shines with its harmonious blend of savory chicken, vibrant pesto, and a luxurious, creamy sauce that coats every single strand of pasta. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough to impress guests, making it a versatile star in my recipe repertoire. I love how adaptable it is, and I hope you’ll find it as easy and rewarding to make as I do. Don’t hesitate to give this amazing Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta a try; I’m confident you’ll be delighted with the results!

For serving, I highly recommend a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some crusty garlic bread for an extra indulgence. If you’re looking for variations, feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also amp up the veggie content by adding sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or cherry tomatoes directly into the sauce. The possibilities are truly endless!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the pesto myself?

Absolutely! While store-bought pesto is convenient, making your own fresh pesto is incredibly rewarding and allows you to control the ingredients and flavor intensity. Simply blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. You can then use this homemade pesto in the recipe just as you would the store-bought version.

What kind of pasta works best?

My personal preference is for shapes that hold the creamy sauce well, like fettuccine, penne, or farfalle. However, most pasta shapes will work beautifully. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente according to package directions for the best texture.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the pesto. Alternatively, you could stir in a diced jalapeño when sautéing the chicken for an integrated spicy flavor.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

A delicious and easy creamy chicken pesto pasta dish.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
25 Minutes

Total Time
40 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (diced into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 pound penne pasta (or farfalle, rotini)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (fresh or jarred)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3
   Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned.
4. Step 4
   Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half and half until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5
   Stir in basil pesto, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Cook until cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Step 6
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat everything in the creamy pesto sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7
   Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.