Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, herb-infused pesto cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for a busy weeknight. With its balance of creamy texture and fresh basil flavor, this pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results using everyday ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy, rich sauce with fresh pesto flavor
Quick and easy—ready in about 30 minutes
Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining
Customizable with vegetables or different pasta shapes
Comfort food with a fresh, herby twist

Ingredients

400 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or fettuccine)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooking cream or heavy cream
½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup pasta cooking water (as needed)

Optional additions:

Cherry tomatoes, halved
Baby spinach
Mushrooms, sliced
Sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Lower the heat and pour in the cream, stirring gently. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add Pesto and Cheese

Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Add optional vegetables if using, allowing them to warm through.

Step 6: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Pesto Pasta

Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor
Add pasta water gradually to control sauce consistency
Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well

Variations

Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or crème fraîche
Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne
Vegetarian: Skip chicken and add mushrooms or zucchini
Protein Swap: Try shrimp or grilled salmon

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream
Not recommended for freezing due to the cream sauce

A Comforting Classic with Fresh Flavor

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the perfect blend of comfort and freshness. The richness of the cream, the savory chicken, and the vibrant basil pesto come together in a dish that feels both indulgent and balanced. It’s easy enough for everyday cooking but impressive enough to serve to guests.