This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta smells amazing as it simmers, with garlic, basil, and toasted chicken promising comfort in every bite and a luxuriously smooth sauce that clings to each strand.
I like to make it on busy weeknights when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen, and it is perfect for feeding hungry kids or winding down after a long day.
SaveOne pot, minimal fuss, and a spoonful of leftovers that taste even better the next day make this recipe a go to favorite in my house.
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Protein and pasta
Aromatics and sauce base
Pesto and finishing
Instructions
- Prep and season the chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and toss with one tablespoon of olive oil so they sear evenly.
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserve about one cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sear the chicken
In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat, add the chicken in a single layer, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes total, then remove to a plate.
- Sauté aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce base
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stir for one minute, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine pesto and butter
Stir in the pesto and butter, letting the butter melt and the sauce become glossy, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add pasta and chicken
Return the pasta and cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices, and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
- Finish and garnish
Let the pasta simmer for two to three minutes so flavors meld, then turn off the heat, and stir in extra pesto if you want a brighter, fresher taste.
- Serve and enjoy
Divide the pasta among warm bowls, top with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and serve immediately with crusty bread and a simple salad.
Substitutions and variations
- Use gluten free pasta and a gluten free flour blend to make the recipe gluten free.
- Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer richer flavor and juicier meat.
- Replace pesto with basil or spinach paste for a fresh herbal note.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach in the last few minutes for color and freshness.
Chloe's tips
- Reserve pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce to your perfect consistency.
- Use a good quality pesto for the brightest flavor, or make your own with fresh basil and toasted pine nuts.
- Add a splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, thin it gradually with warm pasta water or a little more cream.
How to store it
- Cool leftovers quickly, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water.
- You can refrigerate the cooked pasta and chicken separately for faster meal prep, then combine and heat with fresh pesto.
Serving suggestions
Serve this creamy pasta as a comforting weeknight dinner, garnished with herbs and a little extra cheese.
- Plated pasta with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper
- A side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad
- Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio for a complete meal
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this gluten free
Yes, use gluten free pasta and a gluten free flour blend for the sauce, and verify that your chicken broth and pesto are gluten free.
Why is my sauce grainy
High heat or curdling dairy can cause graininess. Keep the heat on medium, whisk constantly when adding liquids, and avoid boiling once the cream is in the sauce.
How do I reheat leftovers
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce and refresh the texture.
Let's get cooking!
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta brings restaurant style comfort to your table with minimal effort, so don’t hesitate to make it often and tweak it to suit your family’s tastes week after week.
