Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal

Looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is the perfect solution! Tender chicken breast, vibrant pesto, and a luscious cream sauce come together in a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. This recipe is easily customizable to your preferences and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive in!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ideal for busy weeknights when time is limited.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of pesto, cream, and chicken creates a delicious and satisfying taste.
* **Versatile:** Easily adaptable to your favorite pasta shapes, vegetables, and protein choices.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
* **Uses Simple Ingredients:** Most of these ingredients are pantry staples.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Breast:** 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
* **Pasta:** 1 lb of your favorite pasta shape (penne, fettuccine, rotini, and bow ties work well).
* **Pesto:** 1/2 cup prepared pesto (homemade or store-bought).
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option).
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning the sauce).
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Add-Ins:** Cherry tomatoes (halved), spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. **Cut the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cut them into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly.
2. **Season the Chicken:** In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

**Step 2: Cook the Pasta**

1. **Boil Water:** Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. The salt helps to season the pasta as it cooks.
2. **Cook the Pasta:** Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the sauce.
3. **Reserve Pasta Water:** Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
4. **Drain the Pasta:** Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.

**Step 3: Cook the Chicken**

1. **Heat Olive Oil:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients later.
2. **Cook the Chicken:** Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of brown.
3. **Remove the Chicken:** Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This prevents the chicken from overcooking and becoming dry.

**Step 4: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce**

1. **Sauté Garlic:** In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
2. **Add Heavy Cream:** Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Simmering the cream helps it to thicken slightly.
3. **Stir in Pesto:** Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. **Adjust Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth or the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Start with a tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect consistency.
5. **Season to Taste:** Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that pesto and Parmesan cheese are already salty, so you may not need to add much additional salt.

**Step 5: Combine Everything**

1. **Add Chicken to Sauce:** Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce.
2. **Add Pasta to Sauce:** Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
3. **Incorporate Add-ins:** If using any optional add-ins like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms, stir them in at this point.

**Step 6: Serve**

1. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
2. **Garnish:** Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves (if desired).

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside.
* **Use Fresh Pesto:** Fresh pesto will give the dish the best flavor. If using store-bought pesto, choose a high-quality brand.
* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Al dente pasta is key to a good pasta dish. It should be firm to the bite and not mushy.
* **Adjust the Sauce Consistency:** The sauce should be creamy and coat the pasta nicely. Use pasta water or chicken broth to adjust the consistency as needed.
* **Season to Taste:** Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes can all enhance the flavor.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will affect the flavor of the dish. Use fresh pesto, good quality Parmesan cheese, and fresh chicken breasts.

## Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas for variations and add-ins:

* **Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the dish, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Sauté the vegetables before adding the chicken, or add them to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Protein:** Substitute the chicken breast with other proteins, such as shrimp, Italian sausage, or tofu. Cook the protein according to its specific cooking instructions.
* **Pasta Shape:** Experiment with different pasta shapes, such as penne, fettuccine, rotini, bow ties, or spaghetti. Each shape will hold the sauce differently, so find your favorite.
* **Cheese:** Try different cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or goat cheese. Add the cheese to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking, or sprinkle it on top before serving.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of intense flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for brightness.
* **Pine Nuts:** Toast some pine nuts and sprinkle them on top for added texture and flavor.
* **Cream Cheese:** For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese.
* **Different Pesto:** Try using different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Wine Pairing:** Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
* **Appetizer:** Start with a Caprese salad or bruschetta as an appetizer.
* **Dessert:** Finish the meal with a light dessert, such as tiramisu or panna cotta.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

If you want to save time, you can prepare some of the components of this dish ahead of time:

* **Cook the Chicken:** You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the skillet before adding it to the sauce.
* **Make the Pesto:** You can make the pesto ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Homemade pesto tastes best when it’s freshly made, but store-bought pesto is also a convenient option.
* **Chop Vegetables:** Chop any vegetables you plan to use ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to assemble the dish, simply cook the pasta, make the sauce, and combine everything together. This will significantly reduce the cooking time on busy weeknights.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate upon thawing, and the pasta can become mushy. However, if you still want to freeze it, ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw completely before reheating. The texture may be altered.

## Recipe Card

**Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta**

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 lb of your favorite pasta shape
* 1/2 cup prepared pesto
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the garlic for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in pesto and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add chicken broth or pasta water to adjust consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat. Stir in any optional add-ins.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil (optional).

Enjoy your delicious and easy Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta!