Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta – Easy 35-Minute Dinner
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is an easy, flavorful dinner made with seasoned chicken, tender penne pasta, and a rich homemade pesto cream sauce. Parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, heavy cream, and basil pesto come together to create a creamy sauce that's packed with flavor.
The chicken is cooked until golden and tender before being tossed with penne pasta and the creamy pesto sauce. Everything comes together in one skillet for a comforting dinner that's easy enough for a busy weeknight but delicious enough for the whole family to request again and again.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Pesto Pasta
Creamy and flavorful – Basil pesto adds tons of flavor to the rich Parmesan cream sauce.
Easy weeknight dinner – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this perfect for busy evenings.
Family-friendly – Creamy pasta is always a crowd-pleaser, and the pesto adds plenty of flavor.
Ready in about 30 minutes – Most of the cooking happens while the pasta is boiling, making this an easy dinner to get on the table.
Great leftovers – Make a batch for dinner and enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day.
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
This easy Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta combines seasoned chicken and penne pasta with a rich homemade sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, and basil pesto. It's a comforting weeknight dinner that's full of flavor and easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta
12 ounces penne pasta
For the Creamy Pesto Sauce
2 tablespoons salted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place it in a mixing bowl.
Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss until evenly coated.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken and cook for approximately 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean bowl and set aside.
Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly.
Stir in the basil pesto until completely incorporated.
Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Taste the sauce and add up to 1/2 teaspoon additional salt, if needed. Keep in mind that both the pesto and Parmesan can be salty.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until it's coated in the creamy pesto sauce.
Add the cooked penne and gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated.
If the sauce is thicker than you'd like, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water and toss again until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of basil pesto, if desired.
Main Course
Tips for the Best Chicken Pesto Pasta
Use freshly grated Parmesan. Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly into the cream sauce than pre-shredded cheese.
Don't boil the cream sauce. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. Cooking it over high heat can cause the sauce to separate.
Taste before adding extra salt. Parmesan and pesto both contain salt, so taste the finished sauce before adding more.
Cut the chicken evenly. Keeping the chicken pieces roughly the same size helps them cook evenly and prevents smaller pieces from becoming overcooked.
Save some pasta water. The starchy pasta water is perfect for thinning the sauce without making it watery. Add a little at a time until the sauce reaches the consistency you like.
Serve it right away. Cream sauces naturally thicken as they cool, so this pasta is best served while it's hot and freshly tossed.
What to Serve with Chicken Pesto Pasta
This creamy pasta is filling enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with:
Garlic bread or toasted Italian bread
A simple side salad
Caesar salad
Roasted broccoli
Roasted asparagus
Green beans
Sautéed spinach
Variations
Add Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions.
Change the Pasta: Penne works especially well because it holds onto the creamy sauce, but rigatoni, farfalle, rotini, or fettuccine would also work.
Make It Extra Cheesy: Add a little extra Parmesan or stir in shredded mozzarella for an even cheesier pasta.
Use Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a delicious seafood version of this creamy pesto pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pesto should I use?
A prepared basil pesto works perfectly for this recipe. You can use your favorite refrigerated or jarred pesto, or make your own homemade basil pesto if you have it on hand.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne is my favorite for this recipe because the shape holds onto the creamy pesto sauce, but rigatoni, rotini, farfalle, or fettuccine would all work well.
Why is my pesto pasta sauce too thick?
The Parmesan and cream sauce will continue to thicken as it sits. If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water, heavy cream, or milk and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes are all delicious additions. You can sauté the vegetables separately or add them directly to the skillet depending on the vegetable you're using.
Can I make chicken pesto pasta ahead of time?
Yes, although this pasta is best served fresh. If making it ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover chicken pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
When reheating, add a small splash of milk, heavy cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Heat gently until warmed through, being careful not to overheat the cream sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is one of those easy dinners that feels a little more special than your average weeknight meal. Tender seasoned chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, fresh garlic, and basil pesto come together with hearty penne pasta for a dinner that's rich, flavorful, and incredibly comforting.
Serve it with warm garlic bread and a simple salad for an easy meal the whole family will love. It's quick enough for a busy weeknight, but delicious enough that you'll want to make it again and again.