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–+ servings

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner—rich, flavorful, and easy to make. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a luscious pesto cream sauce and tossed with pasta to create a dish that’s satisfying and full of bright basil flavor. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Comfort Food, Italian-Inspired
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Chicken

  • 12 oz 0.75 lb pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
  • 2 tablespoons 0.1 lb olive oil
  • 1 lb 0.45 kg boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Pesto Cream Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons 0.1 lb unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup 0.5 lb heavy cream
  • ½ cup 0.12 lb prepared basil pesto
  • ¼ cup 0.05 lb grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat

Optional Garnish

  • Chopped basil
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  • While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Pesto Cream Sauce

  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently.
  • Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Add red pepper flakes, if using, for a bit of spice.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
  • Add the drained pasta and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  • Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • Substitutions: Use shrimp or tofu in place of chicken for a different protein.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency.
  • Vegetable Add-ins: Stir in baby spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
  • Pesto Tip: Use homemade pesto for a fresher taste, or swap basil with arugula or spinach pesto.
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