Delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta: Your Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner

Indulge in this fresh, incredibly flavorful, and deeply satisfying Chicken Pesto Pasta. Featuring tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, your favorite pasta, and vibrant, aromatic basil pesto, it’s a dish that comes together quickly and effortlessly. Ideal for a speedy weeknight meal or a delightful crowd-pleasing gathering!

Are you searching for a meal that offers both comfort and a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this delightful Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe. It’s the ultimate solution for a busy weeknight dinner, proving that gourmet taste doesn’t have to be complicated. With succulent pieces of chicken, al dente pasta, and the bright, herbaceous goodness of basil pesto, this dish is a culinary triumph that’s ready in minutes, yet tastes like it came straight from a charming Italian trattoria.

This recipe isn’t just fast; it’s a symphony of textures and tastes. The creamy pesto sauce clings beautifully to every strand of pasta and tender chicken bite, creating a harmonious and utterly addictive experience. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or hosting a dinner party, this versatile dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. It’s also incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or even a different type of pesto.

white bowl with chicken pesto pasta, garnished with fresh basil

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Lightning Fast: This recipe is designed for speed, going from pantry to plate in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory chicken, garlicky basil pesto, and creamy sauce creates a rich, fresh, and unbelievably delicious flavor profile.
Customizable Comfort: It’s incredibly flexible! Easily swap pasta shapes, add your favorite veggies, or even try different types of pesto to suit your taste.
Family Favorite: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love. The familiar flavors of chicken and pasta combined with the vibrant pesto are universally appealing.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll only need a handful of readily available ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand.
Minimal Cleanup: Mostly a one-pan (plus pasta pot) meal, meaning less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious creation.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Pesto Pasta

For precise measurements and detailed instructions, remember to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

Pasta: I often opt for short-cut pasta varieties like penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta, as their shapes beautifully capture the rich pesto sauce. However, feel free to use your favorite! Linguine, fettuccine, or even orecchiette would work wonderfully. For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free pasta.
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, making it ideal for this fast-paced recipe. Cut into small, even cubes for consistent cooking. If you prefer a richer flavor and slightly juicier texture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for sautéing the chicken and forming the base of your sauce. It adds a subtle fruity depth to the dish.
Pesto: The star of the show! A store-bought basil pesto works perfectly for convenience, especially when time is short. For an extra fresh and vibrant flavor, consider making your own homemade pesto. You can even experiment with different pesto varieties beyond basil (see recipe tips below!).
Heavy Cream: This is what gives our pesto sauce its luxurious, creamy texture. It enriches the flavor and helps the sauce cling to the pasta. If you’re looking to reduce calories or fat, half-and-half can be used, though your sauce will be slightly thinner. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk (full-fat) can sometimes work, but it will impart a distinct flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. It complements the pesto and enhances the chicken’s flavor profile, bringing a classic Italian aroma to the dish.
Salt & Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that bring out the best in all the ingredients. Always season to taste, adding more as needed during cooking.
Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Essential for garnish and adding a salty, umami kick. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the hot pasta and provides a lovely finishing touch.

chicken pesto pasta ingredients laid out on a table

Crafting Your Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this flavorful Chicken Pesto Pasta is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time:

Boil Water and Cook Pasta: Begin by placing a large pot of water on the stove and bringing it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt (this seasons the pasta from within) and then add your chosen pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente – tender but still firm to the bite. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water; it can be incredibly useful later for adjusting sauce consistency. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
Season and Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, cut your chicken breast (or thighs) into uniform, bite-sized cubes. Transfer the cubed chicken to a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning over the chicken pieces. Toss or mix well with your hands or a spoon to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the seasonings.
Sauté the Chicken to Golden Perfection: Heat a large skillet (or a deep sauté pan) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil begins to shimmer, carefully add the seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in two batches to ensure it browns properly rather than steaming. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully golden brown on all sides and thoroughly cooked through, with no pink remaining in the center.
Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the pesto and heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together gently to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will begin to thicken and become wonderfully creamy. If it seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked and well-drained pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken and creamy pesto sauce.
Toss to Coat & Garnish: Using a large spoon or tongs, gently toss the pasta, pesto sauce, and chicken together in the pan until every piece of pasta and chicken is thoroughly coated in the rich, vibrant sauce. Transfer the Chicken Pesto Pasta to serving bowls. Garnish generously with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and, if desired, a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and get ready to dig into this incredible meal!

chicken browning in a skillet with olive oil

adding cooked pasta to skillet with pesto chicken sauce

Expert Tips & Delicious Variations for Your Pesto Pasta

This Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe is wonderfully forgiving and adaptable. Here are some tips and ideas to make it uniquely yours:

Choose Your Favorite Pasta: While short-cut pasta like penne or rotini works great for catching the creamy sauce, don’t hesitate to use your favorite. Long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, or even unique shapes like cavatappi or orzo, are all excellent choices. You could even try it with rice or quinoa for a gluten-free twist.
Elevate with Homemade Pesto: If you have a few extra minutes, making your own pesto truly takes this dish to the next level. The fresh flavors are incomparable. It’s also a fantastic way to utilize extra leafy greens you might have in your fridge. I’ve successfully made vibrant Spinach Pesto and peppery Arugula Pesto, which offer unique flavor profiles that are just as delicious (if not more so!) than traditional basil pesto.
Boost with Fresh Vegetables: This pasta is an excellent canvas for adding more vegetables. I often halve a handful of cherry tomatoes and toss them into the skillet with the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking, allowing them to soften slightly and release their sweet juices. Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and sliced) are another excellent addition, offering a concentrated burst of flavor. Other great options include sautéed summer squash, zucchini, bell peppers, or a handful of wilted spinach added at the very end.
No Heavy Cream? No Problem! If you’re out of heavy cream or prefer a lighter sauce, you can easily adapt. Instead of cream, use chicken broth. Add your cooked pasta to the skillet when it’s about 1-2 minutes shy of being fully cooked. This allows the pasta to finish cooking in the flavorful broth, soaking up extra liquid and taste. If you still desire a creamy texture, stir in about ¼ block of cream cheese (or a couple of tablespoons of Greek yogurt) at the very end, melting it into the sauce until smooth.
Add a Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning or directly into the sauce.
Storage and Reheating: Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a little extra cream to loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
Meal Prep Friendly: You can cook the chicken and make the pesto sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply cook the pasta, warm the chicken and sauce, and combine.

chicken pesto pasta in skillet, ready to serve

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Chicken Pesto Pasta

This Chicken Pesto Pasta is hearty and complete on its own, but a delicious side dish can truly round out the meal without adding much extra effort. Here are some fantastic ideas:

Cheesy Garlic Bread: An absolute classic pairing with any pasta dish! Its ooey-gooey, savory goodness is simply irresistible. The crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy pesto sauce at the bottom of your bowl, ensuring no delicious drop goes to waste. It’s an easy win and always a crowd-pleaser.
Tomato Mozzarella Salad (Caprese): This fresh and vibrant salad offers a delightful contrast to the rich creaminess of the pesto pasta. With juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, its light and refreshing flavors complement the basil pesto exceptionally well. It adds a wonderful pop of color and a healthy element to your meal.
Simple Tossed Salad: Sometimes, simplicity is key. A basic green salad, tossed with your favorite dressing (a lemon vinaigrette or a light Italian dressing works wonderfully), is an effortless way to add fresh vegetables to your dinner. It’s customizable with whatever toppings you enjoy, making it a versatile and healthy accompaniment that the whole family can appreciate.
Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: For another healthy and easy side, quickly roast some asparagus spears or broccoli florets with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Their slight bitterness and tender-crisp texture make a great counterpoint to the rich pasta.

looking down on white bowl with chicken pesto pasta, garnished with fresh basil

Discover More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes

If you loved this Chicken Pesto Pasta, you’ll surely enjoy these other simple yet satisfying chicken dishes from my collection:

Chicken Pot Pie Noodles: All the comforting flavors of chicken pot pie in a quick noodle dish.
Creamy Salsa Chicken: A vibrant, zesty, and creamy chicken dish perfect for taco night or rice bowls.
Creamy Chicken & Rice: A hearty, comforting one-pot meal that’s incredibly easy to make.
Barbecue Chicken Nachos: Loaded with flavor, these nachos are perfect for a fun appetizer or a casual meal.
Buffalo Chicken Chili: A spicy and robust chili that’s perfect for game day or a cozy evening.

4.88 from 8 votes

Chicken Pesto Pasta

By Erin Sellin

This Chicken Pesto Pasta is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish made with tender chicken, your favorite pasta, and vibrant basil pesto. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal!

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook: 15 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

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Equipment

Pot and Pan Set
Liquid Measuring Cup

Ingredients

▢ 8 oz short cut pasta, cooked according to package directions
▢ 10 oz chicken breast, cut into small cubes
▢ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
▢ 2 teaspoon olive oil
▢ 1/2 cup pesto
▢ 1/2 cup heavy cream
▢ salt and pepper to taste
▢ Shredded Parmesan Cheese to serve

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Remember to salt the pasta water generously.
8 oz short cut pasta
Cut the chicken breast into small cubes. In a bowl, season the chicken evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
10 oz chicken breast, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, swirling to coat the pan. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
2 teaspoon olive oil
Reduce heat to medium-low. Mix in the pesto and heavy cream to the skillet. Simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken and becomes creamy.
1/2 cup pesto, 1/2 cup heavy cream
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce, tossing gently to ensure everything is thoroughly coated.
Serve immediately, garnished generously with shredded Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Pesto Pasta!
Shredded Parmesan Cheese to serve

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 440

Keyword: Chicken Pesto Pasta

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breast, simply shred or dice it and add it to the skillet with the pesto and cream, just before adding the pasta. This will shorten your cooking time even further!
Can I freeze Chicken Pesto Pasta? While you can freeze the cooked chicken separately, freezing pasta in cream sauce isn’t always recommended as the sauce can sometimes separate or become grainy upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? As mentioned in the tips, you can use half-and-half for a slightly thinner, lighter sauce. Alternatively, chicken broth with a block of cream cheese melted in can create a creamy, flavorful sauce. Dairy-free milk alternatives might work, but be mindful of their flavor profiles.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Easily! Omit the chicken entirely. You can add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, or even a can of drained cannellini beans for protein. This makes a wonderfully vibrant meatless pesto pasta.
How can I make this healthier? Reduce the heavy cream by using half-and-half or chicken broth with a little cream cheese. Increase the amount of vegetables you add. Opt for whole wheat pasta for more fiber.

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