Chicken Pesto Cream Pasta

Chicken Pesto Cream Pasta is the perfect balance of comfort food and bold Italian flavor. Tender, juicy chicken pieces, coated in a rich and creamy pesto sauce, pair beautifully with silky smooth pasta.

Every bite offers a perfect blend of garlic, basil, cream, and Parmesan, creating an irresistible dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet is incredibly easy to prepare at home.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this pasta delivers satisfying elegance in every forkful.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines convenience with delicious sophistication. The creamy pesto sauce gives a velvety richness without being overly heavy, while the basil adds a fresh, vibrant flavor. The chicken makes it hearty enough to be a full meal, and the pasta ties everything together into a comforting, flavorful experience.

It’s also customizable—use store-bought pesto for efficiency or homemade pesto for deeper flavor. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick yet impressive meals.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it offers restaurant-quality flavor using simple ingredients. The pesto cream sauce adds layers of buttery garlic, fresh herbs, and savory Parmesan, making every bite deeply satisfying.

The chicken ensures protein-rich balance, while the pasta offers classic Italian comfort. It’s versatile, family-friendly, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
• Course: Main Course / Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

For the Pesto Cream Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional, for consistency)

Garnish:

• Fresh basil
• Extra Parmesan
• Crushed chili flakes (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve pasta water and drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through.
3. Remove chicken and melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Stir in pesto, cream, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
5. Add pasta and chicken back to the sauce. Toss well to coat.
6. Adjust thickness using pasta water if needed. Garnish and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente and set aside.
2. Season and Cook Chicken: Sauté chicken in oil until browned and fully cooked. Remove from pan.
3. Make Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic in butter, then add pesto, cream, and Parmesan.
4. Combine: Stir pasta and chicken into the sauce, coating evenly.
5. Finish: Adjust seasoning and thickness, then garnish and serve.

How to Serve

Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and optional chili flakes. Pair with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) complements the creamy pesto flavor perfectly.

Recipe Tips

• Salt pasta water generously for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook cream sauce; simmer gently.
• Add a splash of pasta water to make the sauce extra silky.
• Fresh pesto enhances flavor dramatically.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and add mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
• Low-Carb: Serve the sauce with zoodles or cauliflower gnocchi.
• Spicy: Add red chili paste or crushed pepper to the sauce.
• Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella pearls for melty texture.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without fresh basil garnish for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with extra cream or milk to restore texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Pasta pot
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Grater for Parmesan

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut and tastes delicious.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes—use dairy-free pesto, coconut cream, and vegan Parmesan.

Conclusion

Chicken Pesto Cream Pasta is a beautifully comforting dish that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful pesto come together to create a meal that feels elegant yet approachable—perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for yourself or serving guests, this recipe guarantees satisfaction in every delicious bite. Enjoy and savor the flavors of comfort and fresh basil in one unforgettable pasta dish.