Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe is designed to bring flavor, comfort, and ease to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. Imagine tender, bite-sized chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a rich, velvety pesto sauce. It’s a dish that consistently earns rave reviews from both adults and picky eaters alike, ensuring everyone will be eager for second helpings. Perfect for busy evenings, this simple yet incredibly delicious pasta dish promises a satisfying meal that your entire family will adore, any time of the year. Forget stressed-out cooking; this is a no-fuss, no-muss culinary delight!
For more incredibly easy and delicious chicken recipes that simplify your dinner routine, be sure to explore my Creamy Tuscan Chicken for an Italian-inspired treat, or my vibrant Lemon & Garlic Chicken for a burst of fresh flavor.
Why This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Will Be Your New Go-To Recipe
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary triumph born from simplicity and packed with irresistible flavor. Here’s why this creamy pesto chicken pasta will quickly become a cherished part of your recipe repertoire:
- Effortlessly Customizable: The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t have penne? Use rotini or spaghetti! Want more greens? Toss in some spinach or broccoli. It’s designed to be flexible, allowing you to easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys most. This versatility makes it perfect for creative cooks and those looking to minimize food waste.
- Incredibly Simple Ingredients: You won’t need a specialty grocery store trip for this one. This recipe calls for a handful of common pantry staples and fresh ingredients you likely already have at home. Its straightforward nature ensures that even beginner cooks can achieve impressive results with minimal effort.
- Explosively Flavorful: Despite its simple preparation, this dish is a powerhouse of taste. The combination of succulent chicken, rich creamy sauce, and aromatic pesto creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The garlic, onion, and fresh basil elevate the classic pesto profile, making every bite a delightful experience.
- Lightning-Fast Preparation: In today’s fast-paced world, a meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes is a lifesaver. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or whenever you crave a hearty, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From start to finish, you’ll be serving up a gourmet-quality dish in record time.
- A Guaranteed Family Favorite: This creamy pesto chicken pasta strikes the perfect balance between familiar comfort and exciting flavor. Its mild yet engaging taste makes it universally appealing, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will ask for more. It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles and satisfaction to the dinner table every single time.
Understanding Pesto: A Culinary Gem
Pesto is much more than just a sauce; it’s a vibrant, aromatic Italian condiment that originated in Genoa, the capital of Liguria, Italy. While there are numerous variations of pesto, each made with distinct ingredients, the most renowned and classic version is Pesto alla Genovese. This traditional pesto is a rich green paste typically crafted from fresh basil leaves, pungent garlic, robust pine nuts, savory Parmesan cheese (sometimes Pecorino Sardo or a blend), and high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Traditionally, these ingredients were crushed together using a mortar and pestle (hence the name “pesto,” from the Italian verb “pestare,” meaning to crush or pound) to release their intense flavors and create a beautifully textured sauce.
Beyond its classic form, pesto can be incredibly versatile. You might find variations featuring different herbs like parsley or cilantro, various nuts such as walnuts or almonds, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a red pesto. Regardless of its specific composition, pesto is celebrated for its fresh, bright, and intensely herbaceous flavor profile, adding a gourmet touch to countless dishes beyond just pasta, including sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and grilled meats.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable meal. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need, ensuring you have everything ready for a smooth cooking process:
- Penne Pasta: A tubular pasta that’s perfect for holding the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Tenderloins: Or boneless, skinless chicken breasts/thighs, cut into uniform cubes for even cooking and bite-sized portions.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground for the best flavor, to season the chicken and sauce.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and forming the base of your sauce.
- Butter: Salted butter adds richness and is crucial for making the roux.
- All-Purpose Flour: The thickening agent for our wonderfully creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The key to achieving that luxurious, smooth, and decadent texture.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low sodium chicken broth to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle, sweet, and aromatic layer to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce and provides a salty, umami kick.
- Pesto Sauce: Your chosen pesto (store-bought or homemade) is the star flavor component.
- Fresh Basil: For garnishing, adding a final touch of fresh aroma and vibrant color.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Follow these detailed instructions to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen:
- Prepare the Pasta: Begin by boiling your penne pasta in a large pot of generously salted water. Cook according to package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. This ensures the pasta is firm enough to hold up to the rich sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly, reserving about half a cup of the starchy pasta water if you need to adjust sauce consistency later. Set the drained pasta aside.
- Sear the Chicken to Perfection: While the pasta cooks, pat your cubed chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is beautifully golden brown on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a clean bowl, covering it loosely to keep warm.
- Craft the Silky Creamy Pesto Sauce: Using the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, creating a roux. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the flour is fully incorporated and forms a smooth, pale paste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue whisking as the mixture begins to thicken. Next, stir in the heavy cream, along with the salt, pepper, dried basil, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, allowing it to thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the pesto sauce and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and the sauce achieves a smooth, irresistibly creamy consistency.
- Combine and Simmer to Perfection: Return the drained and cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss gently to ensure every piece of pasta is beautifully coated. Then, add the reserved cooked chicken back into the pan. Mix everything together thoroughly, making sure the chicken is also well integrated with the sauce and pasta. Place the skillet back on low heat, cover it, and allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This final simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures the chicken and pasta absorb more of that wonderful creamy sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the flavors have melded, remove the skillet from the heat. Give it one last gentle stir, then transfer generous portions to individual serving plates. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and a fresh aromatic finish. Serve immediately and watch as your family reaches for seconds!
Exciting Recipe Variations to Explore
One of the greatest aspects of this creamy pesto chicken pasta is its incredible versatility. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations to make it uniquely yours:
- Chicken Alternatives: While tenderloins are fantastic, feel free to swap them for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. If using breasts, consider pounding them slightly to an even thickness before cubing for more consistent cooking. Leftover rotisserie chicken can also be shredded and added at the end for an even quicker meal.
- Cheesy Enhancements: For an even cheesier experience, incorporate some shredded mozzarella, provolone, or a sharp white cheddar along with the Parmesan into the sauce. The melted cheese will add an extra layer of gooey deliciousness.
- Lighter Cream Option: If you’re looking to reduce the richness slightly, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Keep in mind that using lighter dairy products might result in a thinner sauce, so you might need to adjust the flour slightly or simmer a bit longer.
- Add a Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red chili flakes with the garlic and onion powder, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the creamy pesto sauce.
- Pasta Perfection: Don’t limit yourself to penne! This recipe works wonderfully with almost any pasta shape. Try fusilli, rotini, farfalle (bow-tie), orecchiette, or even classic spaghetti or fettuccine. Choose a shape that effectively “grabs” and holds onto the creamy sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and vibrant colors by stirring in your favorite vegetables. Spinach wilts beautifully into the warm sauce, broccoli florets or frozen peas add a pop of green, asparagus spears bring a delicate crunch, sautéed mushrooms add an earthy depth, or green beans for extra freshness. Add most vegetables when simmering the sauce, or steam them separately and stir in at the end.
- Transform into a Cheesy Casserole: For a hearty baked dish, transfer the finished pasta and chicken mixture into a casserole dish. Top generously with an extra layer of shredded cheese (mozzarella and Parmesan work wonderfully), and broil until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Instead of traditional basil pesto, try a sun-dried tomato pesto for a richer, tangier flavor profile and a beautiful reddish hue.
Expert Tips and Handy Notes for Success
Achieving a perfect creamy pesto chicken pasta is easy with these helpful tips and reminders:
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: It’s crucial to cut your chicken tenderloins, breasts, or thighs into evenly sized cubes. This ensures that all pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from drying out while others are still undercooked.
- Check for Doneness: The chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). An instant-read thermometer is your best friend for quickly and accurately checking for doneness, guaranteeing juicy, tender chicken every time.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Always cook your pasta to al dente, meaning “to the tooth.” It should be firm but still have a slight bite. Remember that it will cook a little more when combined with the hot sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture.
- Low and Slow for Sauce: When making the creamy sauce, maintain a low to medium-low heat. Avoid bringing the sauce to a rapid boil, as high heat can cause dairy-based sauces to separate or curdle, resulting in a less smooth and appealing consistency. A gentle simmer is all you need.
- Acidity for Brightness: For an extra layer of flavor and a touch of brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice stirred into the sauce at the very end can work wonders. It cuts through the richness of the cream and pesto, enhancing the overall taste.
- Save Some Pasta Water: The starchy water leftover from cooking pasta is liquid gold! If your sauce appears too thick, add a tablespoon or two of this reserved pasta water. The starch helps to emulsify the sauce, making it incredibly silky and ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Quality Pesto Matters: The flavor of your pesto will significantly impact the final dish. While jarred pesto is convenient, fresh pesto (either homemade or from the refrigerated section of your grocery store) often offers a much more vibrant and authentic flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Storing your leftovers is simple! Transfer any remaining creamy pesto chicken pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can easily reheat it. For best results, gently warm it in the microwave or reheat it slowly on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of chicken broth or milk can help restore its creamy consistency.
Yes, you can freeze this delicious pasta dish! Once it’s fully cooked and has cooled down completely, transfer the pasta into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to help keep the pasta from drying out and to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
The type of pesto you use can greatly influence the flavor! While any pesto you enjoy will work, I highly recommend using a high-quality fresh pesto for the best results. Brands like Kirkland (from Costco) are often a great choice for their fresh flavor and value. Generally, pestos found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store are superior to shelf-stable jarred options. If you have homemade pesto on hand, that’s even better!
While virtually any pasta can be paired with pesto, certain shapes are particularly good at capturing and holding onto the delicious sauce. Pastas with grooves, spirals, or small pockets are ideal. Excellent options include Fusilli (corkscrews), Cavatappi (hollow corkscrews), and Rotini (tight spirals). Penne also works very well, as its tubular shape allows the sauce to get inside.
Pesto has a very concentrated and strong flavor, so a little goes a long way. A good starting point is approximately 3 ounces of dry, uncooked pasta for every 3 tablespoons of pesto sauce. However, this is largely a matter of personal preference. Some prefer a lighter coating, while others enjoy a more intense pesto flavor. It’s always best to start with a conservative amount and add more to taste until you reach your desired intensity.
Absolutely! To make this creamy pesto chicken pasta gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta (there are many excellent options available made from corn, rice, or legumes) and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. The flour in the roux can be substituted with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch for thickening.
No problem! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are excellent substitutes. If using breasts, you might want to slice them thinner or pound them slightly to ensure they cook quickly and remain tender. Just cut them into even, bite-sized cubes as instructed.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
While this creamy pesto chicken pasta is a meal in itself, pairing it with a simple side can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful ideas to complement its rich flavors:
- Garlic Butter Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms sautéed in garlic butter provide a savory depth that pairs beautifully with the herbaceous pasta.
- Cheesy Broccoli Bites: These fun and flavorful bites add a touch of greens and a cheesy crunch, appealing to all ages.
- Roasted Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! Crusty bread slathered with roasted garlic butter is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy pesto sauce.
- Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots: A hint of sweetness and vibrant color from glazed carrots offers a wonderful contrast to the savory pasta.
- Best Grilled Vegetables: A medley of seasonal grilled vegetables provides a smoky flavor and a healthy, fresh component to your meal.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pasta.
I genuinely hope you enjoy exploring all the recipes I share, including this incredibly satisfying Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta. It’s a dish I’m passionate about, and I truly hope it brings joy and deliciousness to your kitchen. Please give it a try, savor every bite, and if you love it, consider leaving a rating and sharing your experience with friends and family!
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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 cups penne pasta, dry, uncooked
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs. chicken tenderloins , cleaned and cubed
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 2 tbsps. olive oil
Creamy Pesto Sauce
- 2 tbsps. butter, salted
- 2½ tbsps. all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cup chicken broth, low sodium
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3/4 cup pesto sauce, more or less to taste
- ¾ tsp. basil, dry
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken cubes generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the olive oil and pan sear the seasoned chicken cubes for 6-8 minutes until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside in a bowl.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Melt the butter, then add in the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to blend well into a smooth roux.
- Gradually add in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent any clumps. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, dry basil, onion powder, and garlic powder. Simmer on medium-low heat for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and stir in the pesto sauce and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Return the drained, cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss to coat well. Add in the cooked chicken. Mix everything together until well combined. Simmer on low heat, covered, for about 5 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat, garnish with some fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- You want to make sure you cut your chicken breasts to the same size for this recipe so they’re cooked through evenly.
- Your chicken is done once its internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). You can use an instant thermometer to quickly check for doneness.
- Feel free to add some vegetables if you’d like! Try spinach, broccoli florets, frozen peas, asparagus, mushrooms, or green beans.
- Make sure you are cooking the sauce on a low heat; avoid boiling the sauce as it can cause it to separate.
- Top it off with a little bit of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor if you’d like.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving)
Carbohydrates: 53g |
Protein: 37g |
Fat: 40g |
Saturated Fat: 16g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 144mg |
Sodium: 682mg |
Potassium: 666mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 3g |
Vitamin A: 1426IU |
Vitamin C: 2mg |
Calcium: 152mg |
Iron: 2mg
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