Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta on a chilly evening. This dish is a luscious combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, flavorful pesto cream sauce that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It's perfect for cozy family dinners or even an elegant dinner party with friends.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with this recipe after tasting a similar dish at a neighborhood café. Inspired, I tweaked it to make it even creamier and more flavorful, and now it’s a staple in my weekly rotation. Let’s dive into why this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen, too.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Get ready to savor the ultimate combination of flavor, comfort, and convenience. This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta hits all the marks for a winning recipe.

First, it’s wonderfully quick and easy to make. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a gourmet-quality meal even on your busiest weeknights.

The flavors are nothing short of spectacular. The creamy pesto sauce brings a bold yet comforting taste, perfectly balanced by juicy, golden chicken pieces and tender pasta.

It’s also a fantastic way to please everyone at the table. The dish is kid-friendly, with a mild yet aromatic flavor profile, and it’s versatile enough to satisfy even picky eaters.

Lastly, it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients. You don’t need fancy items or hours of prep to create something that tastes like it came straight out of an upscale restaurant. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so delicious.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each element contributes to a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

Chicken breast serves as the protein in this recipe. When cooked to golden perfection, it becomes tender and juicy, providing the perfect base for the creamy sauce. You could also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.

The pasta is the heart of the dish, and penne is my top choice. Its ridges are excellent for catching the creamy pesto sauce, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor. Other shapes like fusilli or farfalle work just as well if that’s what you have on hand.

The sauce starts with pesto, which lends its bold, herbaceous flavor. Using a high-quality store-bought pesto saves time, but if you have homemade pesto, it takes this recipe to the next level.

Heavy cream is the key to the sauce’s luxurious texture. It blends seamlessly with the pesto, creating a velvety consistency that clings beautifully to the pasta. For a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly less indulgent.

Finally, you’ll need grated Parmesan cheese to add a savory, nutty note to the dish. Choose freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.

As for equipment, a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are all you need to bring this recipe to life.

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Crafting this delectable pasta dish is a breeze. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until it’s al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining, as this can help loosen the sauce later if needed.

Meanwhile, prepare the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with a little olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the pesto and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally. As it thickens, you’ll notice the rich aroma of basil and garlic filling your kitchen.

Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them back to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy pesto sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, use a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and serve it immediately while it’s still warm and fragrant.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare with a dish this good), this pasta stores beautifully.

Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce will thicken as it chills, but it reheats well.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and add a little extra cream to refresh the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few ways to customize it to suit your tastes or pantry.

If you’d like to add some vegetables, try tossing in steamed broccoli or roasted cherry tomatoes. They pair beautifully with the creamy pesto sauce.

Swap the chicken for shrimp if you’re in the mood for seafood. Sauté the shrimp separately and stir them in just before serving.

For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It’s a subtle kick that enhances the pesto’s flavors without overpowering them.

Experiment with different cheeses. While Parmesan is classic, Pecorino Romano or Asiago also work wonderfully.

Finally, try using whole-grain pasta or a gluten-free alternative if you want to make the dish a bit healthier or cater to specific dietary needs.

With its rich, creamy sauce and vibrant pesto flavor, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Why not give it a try tonight?

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