Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

This creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe is made with tasty chicken and tender pasta smothered in a luscious cream and basil pesto sauce. This easy chicken pesto pasta recipe is made with pantry staples and comes together in 30 minutes

This creamy pesto chicken pasta is pure comfort food. This is one of those simple pasta dishes that looks impressive, yet it’s easy enough to make on busy weeknights.

I like making the creamy pesto sauce with this flavorful homemade basil pesto recipe however, on busy days when I’m short on time or I can’t find fresh basil at the market, store-bought pesto works as well.

Pesto Chicken Pasta Ingredients

• Chicken: In this recipe, I use boneless and skinless chicken breast cut into bite sized pieces. Chicken thighs can also be used.
• Pesto Sauce: On really busy days, when my time is limited, using store-bought pesto makes this dish even quicker and easier. Get a good quality pesto sauce. My favorite is Costco’s Kirkland brand. From the supermarket, prefer the ones from the refrigerated area.
• Onions and Fresh Garlic: I usually use brown or yellow onions and fresh garlic cloves (this pasta recipe also uses garlic powder).
• Oil: I prefer using olive oil. Avocado or canola oil are also good options.
• Broth: Chicken broth, regular or low-sodium.
• Flour: All-purpose flour.
• Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter for cooking, but if you only have salted butter, that works as well.
• Half and Half: Half and half produces a richer sauce than whole milk however, you can substitute the half and half, if you prefer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is always best.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and ground black pepper.
• Pasta: A short pasta with ridges is my preferred pasta when making Pesto Chicken Pasta. The ridges hold the creamy sauce better than most noodles. Cavattapi, penne rigate, rigattoni and fusilli are good options. Besides short noodles, spaghetti is always a pasta that comes to my rescue at home.

How To Make Chicken Pesto Pasta

Detailed instructions for making this creamy chicken pasta can be found in the recipe card below.

1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of cooking water and drain the pasta.
2. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper then sprinkle with flour and toss to coat.
3. In a large skillet, cook the chicken until golden brown then remove the chicken from the skillet. Set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and saute the onions until they become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for a minute.
5. Add the broth to the skillet and deglaze it by scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon. This will remove the brown bits stuck at the bottom of the pan.
6. Add the pesto, half and half and garlic powder and simmer. The sauce will start to thicken a bit.
7. Return the chicken and any collected juices to the skillet. Simmer for a few minutes.
8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix well to combine.
9. Add the pasta and toss gently. If you want a creamier consistency, add some of the cooking water and mix well.

Is Pasta With Pesto Healthy?

Pesto is made with basil, pine nuts, olive oil and cheese. Some of these ingredients are high in fat however, they are high in unsaturated fat. When eaten in moderation, unsaturated fats are beneficial for your body. They can lower bad cholesterol and help with inflammation. It is important to keep in mind that pastas in general should be consumed in moderation.

What Meat Goes Well With Pesto Pasta?

I love serving Pesto Pasta with baked chicken breast or grilled chicken. Grilled shrimp is also a great addition to this pasta dish.

What type of pasta should I use?

You can use any type of pasta that you have at home. Creamy sauces are great served with long noodles like fettuccini and short noodles like penne. A short pasta with ridges that can hold the creamy sauce is ideal when making this easy pasta recipe. Try penne rigate, rigattoni and fusilli, all of which have ridges.

Make Ahead Tips

Creamy pastas are best when made and served immediately. Reheating creamy pastas can be tricky as the sauce tends to separate. If you need to reheat the pasta, do it low and slow.

Another way to get a head start making this dish is to sauté the chicken and the onions and deglaze the pan with the broth. After this mixture has cooled completely, store it in the fridge overnight.