“`html
If you are craving a dish that brings together rich, comforting flavors with a vibrant twist, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is an absolute showstopper. It combines tender chicken chunks with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy pesto sauce that feels both indulgent and fresh. This recipe is not just a meal but a heartfelt invitation to gather around the table and savor something truly special and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to how this dish bursts with flavor and texture. Each item has a role to play—from the tender chicken to the fresh basil pesto, everything works in harmony to create that irresistible creamy yet herby profile.
- Penni pasta: About ½ pound or 2½ cups dry, perfect for holding onto the rich sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth, lightly fruity base for sautéing garlic and chicken.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the dish with the signature aromatic punch.
- Italian seasoning: A simple mix of herbs that elevates the chicken’s flavor wonderfully.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning every component just right.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons for richness and to create the roux for the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: 3 tablespoons, which thickens the sauce into a glorious creamy texture.
- Chicken broth: 1 cup to add depth and savory notes to the sauce.
- Half and half: 1 cup (or substitute with milk or cream) giving the sauce that silky, luscious creaminess.
- Freshly grated Parmesan: ½ cup, delivering a sharp, nutty edge that cuts through the cream.
- Freshly shredded Mozzarella: 1 cup, for gooey, melty goodness that pulls everything together.
- Basil pesto: ½ cup or more for that fresh herbaceous burst which defines this dish.
- Fresh basil: For garnish, enhancing both color and that unmistakable pesto aroma.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta to Perfection
Start by cooking the penne pasta in generously salted boiling water until al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. This ensures the pasta won’t get mushy when tossed with the creamy sauce later. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside, ready to soak up all those buttery, cheesy flavors.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat then add the minced garlic and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, then add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. This step delivers juicy chicken infused with aromatic herbs, setting a flavorful foundation for the dish. Transfer the chicken to a plate to rest.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. This classic technique thickens the sauce without lumps. Slowly pour in the chicken broth followed by the half and half, stirring constantly. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens to a velvety sauce. This silky base is where the richness begins to build, promising that creamy satisfaction we all crave.
Step 4: Combine Pesto and Cheeses
Once the sauce is perfectly thickened, stir in the vibrant basil pesto, freshly grated Parmesan, and shredded Mozzarella. These ingredients don’t just enhance flavor; they add irresistible aroma, texture, and that magical gooeyness. Mix thoroughly so the cheese melts into the sauce while the pesto brings a punch of herbaceous brightness.
Step 5: Toss Together Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then fold in the drained pasta. Stir everything together with care, allowing each piece of pasta and chicken to be luxuriously coated with that creamy pesto sauce. This is where all the separate elements come alive as one irresistible dish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot
Finish by sprinkling fresh basil leaves and a touch of cracked black pepper on top. Serve immediately while warm, so you can enjoy the full sensory delight of a creamy, cheesy, herby meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh basil leaves scattered on top add a pop of vibrant color and fresh aroma right before serving. For an extra touch, a little more freshly grated Parmesan never hurts. These simple garnishes lift the dish visually and taste-wise, making every forkful exciting.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Such sides bring balance to the richness, adding freshness or crunchy texture that complements the soft, creamy pasta perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the pasta in warm bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture. A glass of crisp white wine also elevates the experience, but this meal is perfectly enjoyable any day you want a comforting yet elegant dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
While freezing pasta dishes can sometimes affect texture, this recipe can be frozen carefully by placing it in freezer-safe containers. Use within one month for best results, and remember that the sauce may thicken slightly when thawed.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess, stirring frequently. This approach warms everything evenly without drying out the tender chicken or the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni also work wonderfully. Choose what you prefer or have on hand.
What can I substitute for half and half in this recipe?
If you don’t have half and half, whole milk or heavy cream works just as well. Heavy cream will make the sauce even richer, while milk keeps it lighter but still creamy.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just store portions in airtight containers and reheat gently when ready to eat. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious homemade meal throughout the week.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto is a great shortcut and still delivers fantastic flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste, adding a bit more if you love that fresh basil punch.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To create a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil, use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk, and pick a vegan cheese option or omit cheese altogether. The pesto will still bring wonderful flavor.
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite beats the comforting yet fresh flavors packed into this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe. It’s a perfect meal to whip up when you want something satisfying but not complicated. Once you try it, this dish will likely become a recurring favorite — a true crowd-pleaser for weeknights or weekend dinners alike. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every delightful bite!
“`
Print
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy chicken pesto pasta combines tender chicken pieces, al dente penne pasta, and a rich homemade pesto cream sauce made with parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- ½ pound Penne pasta (about 2 ½ cups dry)
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Half and half (or any milk/cream)
- ½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Freshly shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Basil pesto (or more, to taste)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually add the chicken broth and half and half while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine: Stir the basil pesto, grated Parmesan, and shredded Mozzarella cheeses into the sauce until fully melted and combined. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, mixing everything thoroughly to coat well with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Serve the creamy chicken pesto pasta hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half and half with whole milk or a lower-fat milk option.
- If you prefer a stronger basil flavor, add extra pesto to taste when combining the sauce and pasta.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour if gluten intolerance is a concern.
- To ensure chicken cooks evenly, cut it into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
