Name: Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper; ¾ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into ½-inch pieces; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 ounces dry Penne pasta noodles (225g); 2 cups chicken broth (480ml); ½ cup basil pesto (120ml); ½ cup heavy whipping cream (120ml); ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes; 1 cup grated parmesan (80g); ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Imagine a dish that combines the rich, aromatic flavors of basil pesto with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. That’s exactly what you get with this Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe! It’s a quick, one-pan wonder that’s bursting with Italian-inspired flavors and comes together in just 35 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in about 35 minutes.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of pesto, chicken, and pasta is a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive Oil: The base for sautéing and adding richness to the dish.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors.
Black Pepper and Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of other ingredients.
Crushed Red Pepper: Adds a subtle kick of heat, adjust to your preference.
Chicken Breasts: The main protein, diced for quick cooking and even distribution.
Garlic: Minced for a punch of flavor that complements the pesto beautifully.
Penne Pasta: The perfect shape for holding onto the creamy pesto sauce.
Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the sauce and cooks the pasta.
Basil Pesto: The star of the show, providing vibrant flavor and color.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: Adds a sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Fresh Basil Leaves: For a burst of fresh flavor and beautiful garnish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Seafood Twist: Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon for a pescatarian delight.
Cheese Lover’s Dream: Add cubes of mozzarella for extra cheesy goodness.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some baby spinach or cherry tomatoes at the end for added nutrition and color.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil with seasonings in a large skillet. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown. Stir in minced garlic for an extra flavor boost.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Add pasta and broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered. Uncover and continue cooking until pasta is tender and broth is absorbed.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Stir in pesto, cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. The combination creates a luscious, flavorful sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese. Just before serving, stir in fresh basil leaves for a burst of fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Keep the broth simmering and stir frequently to ensure even cooking of the pasta.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
Add the pesto and cream at the end to prevent separation of the sauce.
Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its creamiest and most flavorful.

How to Serve

This Chicken Pesto Pasta is a meal in itself, but you can elevate it further with some complementary sides:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Add some extra nutrition and color to your plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While possible, freezing may affect the texture of the sauce. If freezing, do so without the cream and add it when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! While homemade pesto is delicious, a good quality store-bought pesto works perfectly in this recipe.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta shape like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle works well in this recipe.

Is this dish spicy?
The recipe has a mild kick from the crushed red pepper. Adjust the amount to your preference or omit it entirely for a non-spicy version.

This Chicken Pesto Pasta is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of flavors in a bowl. With its creamy texture, aromatic pesto, and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab your skillet and get ready to whip up a dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Buon appetito!

Jaden Christner

Hey everyone! I'm Jaden, and welcome to YummyHere! Basically, I'm obsessed with food. Like, really obsessed. So, I figured, why not share all my yummy creations with the world? Hopefully, you'll find something here that makes you say "Yum!" (because that's the goal, right?). Let's get cooking!

Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe