Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Creamy, flavorful, and wonderfully easy to prepare, Chicken Pesto Pasta brings together tender bites of chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious pesto sauce. This dish has a perfect balance of rich, cheesy goodness and herby pesto, making it an ideal weeknight meal that can also shine at the dinner table for guests. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious pasta dish that’s comforting yet elegant.
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe comes together beautifully with a few essential ingredients that create a satisfying and rich dish. The key to the ultimate Chicken Pesto Pasta lies in the quality of the components.
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures the protein is lean and cooks quickly, remaining tender. The Italian seasoning and onion powder add a layer of subtle spice and warmth to the chicken, complementing the richness of the pesto and creamy sauce. To further enhance the savory depth, Kosher salt helps to season the meat to perfection.
For the sauce, a combination of butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream forms a luxurious base. This creamy mixture coats the pasta and chicken in velvety goodness. Grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese lend a rich, cheesy texture, binding everything together while the star of the show, basil pesto, gives the dish its signature bright, herby flavor. And of course, no pasta dish is complete without penne, a sturdy pasta shape that holds the sauce perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start, heating olive oil in a skillet creates the perfect base for cooking the chicken. The oil ensures that the meat doesn’t stick and adds a subtle flavor as the chicken pieces are browned. As you toss in the Italian seasoning, onion powder, and Kosher salt, these flavors seep into the chicken, infusing each bite with a balanced mix of spice and herbaceousness.
Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s set aside while the magic of the sauce begins. In the same skillet, butter is melted, and the minced garlic is quickly sautéed, releasing a fragrant aroma that lays the foundation for the sauce. The combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a rich, slightly tangy base, with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese thickening the sauce to a creamy consistency. The whisking motion helps everything blend smoothly, while the sauce simmers to thicken just the right amount.
While the sauce comes together, cooking the penne pasta until it’s perfectly al dente ensures it retains its shape and texture when combined with the sauce. Once drained, the pasta, basil pesto, and cooked chicken are added back into the skillet with the sauce. The pesto’s bright, fresh notes bring balance to the rich, cheesy sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. After everything is mixed and warmed through, additional salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes can be added to adjust the seasoning to taste.
To finish, a final sprinkle of Parmesan adds a savory, salty bite that elevates the dish just before serving. The result is a creamy, herby, and utterly delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to Adjust the Consistency of the Sauce:
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out slightly. For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a bit longer, stirring frequently until the desired consistency is reached.
Making it Ahead or Storing Leftovers:
This dish reheats beautifully. If making ahead, keep the pasta and sauce separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?:
Absolutely! While homemade pesto provides a fresher, more vibrant flavor, store-bought versions work just as well and save time. Just ensure you choose a high-quality pesto for the best results.
Can I Use a Different Pasta Shape?:
Yes, while penne is ideal for holding onto the sauce, feel free to substitute with fusilli, farfalle, or even rigatoni. These pasta shapes also trap the sauce within their ridges, making every bite deliciously creamy.
How Can I Reheat This Dish Without Drying It Out?:
The key to reheating creamy pasta dishes is adding moisture. Reheat over low heat and stir in a little chicken broth or heavy cream to help keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Chicken Pesto Pasta is rich and indulgent, making it a fantastic main course. Pairing it with lighter, fresh sides can create a well-rounded meal. A crisp salad adds balance, and some crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
A simple arugula salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta with a touch of acidity. For a heartier side, try a classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a zesty dressing. A side of garlic bread or toasted dinner rolls brings a comforting, familiar texture to the meal, offering something to soak up the creamy sauce.
For a refreshing contrast, serve with lightly roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes. The bright, earthy flavors of these veggies cut through the richness of the pesto and cream, adding a delightful touch of color and freshness to the plate.
Customization Ideas
This Chicken Pesto Pasta is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different preferences and dietary needs.
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, and use whole wheat pasta instead of regular penne for added fiber. If you’re looking to increase the veggie content, toss in some spinach or sundried tomatoes when adding the pesto. The spinach will wilt down and blend seamlessly into the sauce, while sundried tomatoes offer a burst of tangy sweetness.
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of vegetables. You could add roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to bulk up the dish, making it hearty yet meat-free. If you want to add more protein, shrimp or grilled salmon are excellent alternatives to chicken, both of which pair beautifully with the pesto sauce.
For cheese lovers, experiment with different types of cheese. Adding a bit of Pecorino Romano or Asiago can give the sauce a sharper, more complex flavor profile. You can also sprinkle some extra mozzarella on top and broil the pasta for a few minutes before serving for a golden, bubbly finish.
This Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick and easy recipe that packs in flavor without the fuss. It’s a great go-to meal for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but still sophisticated enough for company. Serve it hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a pop of color.
Enjoy this dish with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the richness and complements the herbaceous pesto. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this Chicken Pesto Pasta will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
8 ounces penne pasta, cooked and drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup basil pesto
Salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chicken pieces, followed by the onion powder, Italian seasoning, and Kosher salt. Stir frequently and cook the chicken until it’s golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Using the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes aromatic.
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Whisk the mixture thoroughly, ensuring everything blends smoothly. Keep cooking the sauce over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to thicken. This process should take around 5-10 minutes.
While waiting for the sauce to thicken, cook the penne pasta as directed on the package, then drain and set it aside.
Once the sauce has reached a creamy consistency, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the prepared pasta and the basil pesto. Stir everything together and allow it to warm through.
Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding extra salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes, as desired. For a final touch, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and serve. Enjoy!
Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta cooked and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup basil pesto
- Salt pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chicken pieces, followed by the onion powder, Italian seasoning, and Kosher salt. Stir frequently and cook the chicken until it’s golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Using the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes aromatic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Whisk the mixture thoroughly, ensuring everything blends smoothly. Keep cooking the sauce over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to thicken. This process should take around 5-10 minutes.
- While waiting for the sauce to thicken, cook the penne pasta as directed on the package, then drain and set it aside.
- Once the sauce has reached a creamy consistency, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the prepared pasta and the basil pesto. Stir everything together and allow it to warm through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding extra salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes, as desired. For a final touch, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and serve. Enjoy!