A quick and easy chicken pesto pasta that is smothered in a creamy basil pesto sauce. This Italian comfort food is made with only 5 ingredients and perfect for busy weeknights!
You may also like these easy dinners with pesto, too! Try white chicken lasagna with pesto, pesto chicken and spinach pesto pizza.
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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
If there’s one thing busy families need, it’s easy pasta recipes they can turn to in a pinch! I’ve got you covered with dishes like Tuscan chicken pasta, spaghetti pesto, and now this delicious chicken pesto pasta!
Made with just 5 ingredients, this creamy, fresh, and tasty pasta dish comes together in no time. And while it may look elegant enough for guests just like my pink sauce pasta recipe, it’s as simple and comforting as they come.
Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe Ingredients
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Uncooked pasta: Cook to al dente according to package directions.
- Chicken: Trim boneless skinless chicken breasts of any excess fat and cut them into bite-size pieces.
- Pesto: I have a delicious basil pesto that is perfect in this chicken and pesto pasta, but any store-bought pesto works too.
- Whipping cream: Gives the sauce a rich and creamy consistency. The fat content is needed to prevent it from being too runny.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta
In a large skillet, cook the pieces of seasoned chicken breast over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until no longer pink.
Pour the pesto and cream into the skillet with the chicken, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta and toss with the chicken and sauce.
Pasta Tips and Variations
- Generously salt the pasta water for more flavor.
- Stir in spinach and sundried tomatoes before serving.
- Add some red pepper flakes for heat.
- Fresh basil leaves are a great way to complement the basil pesto sauce.
- For a twist, chicken pesto pasta salad is a variation of this dish served cold.
- Serve artisan bread alongside.
More pasta recipes to try include Alfredo sauce with cream cheese, chicken tetrazzini and pasta primavera.
More Pasta Recipes
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Chicken Pesto Pasta
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as penne or farfalle)
- 1 – 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts , cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 cup pesto
- ½ cup whipping cream
- salt and pepper , to taste
Optional for serving: sun dried tomatoes, baby spinach, grated parmesan
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water and about a teaspoon of salt to boil and cook pasta according to directions on package until al dente.
- Meanwhile, season chicken with salt and pepper. Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high. Sauté chicken for about 3-4 minutes, until no longer pink.
- Add pesto and cream to the pan with the chicken, stir and simmer for 5 minutes
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing with the chicken and sauce.
Optional additions: Add spinach or dried tomatoes and stir, if desired. Top with grated parmesan.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Recipe FAQs
Popular choices for this dish are penne pasta or farfalle, but you can use any small or medium pasta you choose.
An easy pasta chicken pasta dish needs nothing more than a couple of easy sides. Olive Garden salad recipe and a basket of garlic bread on the table are the perfect additions.
Yes. Sometimes freezing things containing cream or dairy can have a funny texture once thawed. If this happens, add a splash of heavy cream or fresh pesto to loosen it up.
Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Again, the sauce may need a splash of liquid to make it saucy again.
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Dinner, Italian, Pasta, Stovetop
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Made this with lemon torchietti pasta from Trader Joe’s and added a splash of lemon juice. So delicious
Sounds delicious! So glad you enjoyed the chicken pesto pasta!
tasty and easy!
So glad you enjoyed it!
This pasta turned out perfectly and was delicious.
This pesto dish was everything and more that I wanted it to be, and the perfect use of that leftover pesto I had in my fridge! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe
So glad you enjoyed the chicken pesto pasta!
This is a family favorite!! I love adding pesto. It adds so much flavor to anything!
Easy and delicious!