Irresistible Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Rich, velvety sauce clings to perfectly cooked pasta strands with mouthwatering charm.

Tender chicken pieces blend seamlessly with vibrant basil notes, creating a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Each bite promises a delightful harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

The combination of fresh herbs, succulent protein, and smooth cream makes this dish irresistibly satisfying.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this pasta brings gourmet comfort to your dinner table.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this delectable masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides a tender, juicy foundation for the dish, choose fresh cuts with minimal fat for best results.
• Penne Pasta: Hearty pasta shape that captures sauce perfectly, select high-quality durum wheat pasta for authentic texture.

• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that adds depth and warmth, select firm, plump cloves with no green sprouts.
• Basil Pesto: Vibrant sauce that delivers intense herbal notes, choose a premium brand or homemade version for authentic flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty cheese that adds rich umami complexity, opt for freshly grated for maximum flavor.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity, freshly cracked offers superior taste.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Delivers gentle spicy kick, use sparingly for balanced heat.

• Butter: Creates silky base and adds richness, select unsalted for better flavor control.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid foundation and enhances overall savoriness, low-sodium versions recommended.
• Milk: Contributes to smooth, creamy texture, whole milk works best for richness.
• Cream Cheese: Ensures luxurious, velvety sauce, room temperature chunks melt more evenly.
• Spinach: Optional nutrient-dense green that adds color and freshness, choose crisp, bright leaves.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Optional tangy component that brings bright Mediterranean flair, choose soft, plump varieties.

Equipment for Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken, sautéing garlic, and creating the entire dish.
• Cutting Board: Needed for cutting chicken into even 1-inch pieces.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise chicken cutting.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate liquid and ingredient measurements.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Colander: Optional for draining pasta if pre-cooked separately.

Instructions for Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Preparation

Grab a skillet and melt some butter over a gentle flame. Slice chicken into bite-sized chunks and cook until they develop a golden tan, creating delicious caramelized edges.

• Aromatic Enhancement

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet, letting its fragrance dance and mingle with the chicken’s warmth for a quick moment.

• Pasta Magic

Drop penne into the skillet with a splash of broth. Let everything bubble and simmer, creating a one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into comfort food. Cover and allow pasta to soften and absorb all the delicious flavors.

• Creamy Transformation

Swirl in milk, cream cheese, and pesto, watching the sauce become silky and rich. Stir gently until everything melts into a luxurious coating that hugs each pasta piece.

• Cheesy Finale

Shower the dish with freshly grated Parmesan, stirring until it completely dissolves and creates a velvety texture.

• Optional Flavor Boost

Toss in fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes if you’re feeling adventurous. Let the greens wilt and add bursts of color and freshness.

• Seasoning and Serving

Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while the pasta is steaming and the sauce is at its creamy best.

Pesto Pasta Flavor Ideas & Fixes

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Protein Swap: Try replacing chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled salmon, or white beans for a different protein experience.
• Pasta Options: Experiment with other pasta shapes like farfalle, fusilli, or whole wheat pasta to add variety and texture to the dish.
• Herb Enhancement: Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley can be sprinkled on top for an extra burst of freshness and color.
• Vegetable Boost: Roasted zucchini, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled asparagus make excellent additions to create a more nutritious meal.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish in advance and reheat gently with a splash of extra chicken broth to maintain its creamy consistency.

Serving Up Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Gourmet Dinner Companion: Pair this creamy pesto chicken pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to enhance the rich flavors and cut through the dish's creaminess.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness and add a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Garlic Bread Delight: Serve with toasted garlic bread or herbed focaccia to soak up the delicious pesto cream sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the tender pasta.
• Veggie Crunch Topper: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or fresh chopped basil on top to add a nutty crunch and bright herbal notes that complement the pesto's flavor profile.

Storing & Prepping Pasta Meals

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking for maximum freshness and food safety.
• Refrigerator Lifespan: Enjoy your delicious meal within 3-4 days when stored properly in sealed containers in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain sauce consistency.
• Reheating Tricks: Warm slowly in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy texture, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Dreamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delectable creamy pesto chicken pasta merges Italian flavors with comforting textures. Succulent chicken, al dente pasta, and rich basil sauce create a memorable meal for home cooks seeking simple yet impressive dinner options.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 3 oz (85 g) cream cheese, cut into chunks
• 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
• 2 tbsps (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. Preparation: Uniformly dice chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking and tender texture.
2. Sautéing: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, browning chicken pieces until golden and slightly crisp on the exterior.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Introduce minced garlic, allowing flavors to meld with chicken for approximately one minute.
4. Pasta Integration: Add uncooked penne directly into skillet, pouring chicken broth to deglaze pan and lift caramelized bits from bottom.
5. Cooking Process: Bring liquid to a boil, reduce heat, cover skillet, and simmer until pasta becomes tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
6. Sauce Development: Incorporate cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a silky smooth base.
7. Flavor Enhancement: Blend pesto into the sauce, ensuring even distribution of herbaceous green tones throughout the dish.
8. Creamy Transformation: Gradually fold in milk, creating a luxurious and creamy consistency.
9. Cheese Incorporation: Sprinkle grated parmesan, whisking continuously to prevent clumping and promote seamless integration.
10. Final Touches: Add fresh spinach leaves and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing greens to gently wilt and ingredients to meld.
11. Seasoning: Generously season with cracked black pepper and crushed red pepper for balanced heat and complexity.
12. Serving: Transfer to serving dish immediately while piping hot, ensuring maximum flavor and optimal dining experience.

Notes

• Uniform Cutting: Dice chicken into consistent bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and tender meat texture throughout the dish.
• Garlic Infusion: Sauté minced garlic briefly to release maximum aromatic flavors without burning, creating a rich flavor foundation.
• Deglazing Technique: Pour chicken broth carefully to lift caramelized bits from skillet bottom, adding depth and complexity to the sauce’s overall taste profile.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Stir cream cheese slowly and thoroughly to achieve a silky smooth sauce without lumps, ensuring a creamy and luxurious final texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg