Pesto Chicken Pasta: A Flavor-Packed, Easy Dinner

Nothing beats a quick and delicious pasta dish, and this Pesto Chicken Pasta is a total winner! It’s creamy, garlicky, and bursting with fresh basil pesto flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a comforting bowl of pasta, this recipe will hit the spot.

What makes this dish even better? It’s super easy to make! With just a few ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality meal in about 30 minutes. The combination of tender chicken, rich pesto sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a meal that tastes like something special—without the extra effort.

And if you love meals that feel fresh and satisfying, this one is perfect all year round. In the summer, you can make your own homemade pesto using fresh basil, and in the cooler months, store-bought pesto makes this meal quick and cozy. Either way, this pasta is packed with flavor, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and Easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Packed with Flavor – The mix of basil pesto, garlic, parmesan, and juicy chicken creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile – You can switch up the pasta, use rotisserie chicken for even faster prep, or add veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach.
• Kid-Friendly – The creamy, cheesy sauce makes it a hit with kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 if smaller), diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce

• 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup heavy cream (for a creamy version)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Optional Add-ins

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup baby spinach
• Extra parmesan and fresh basil for garnish

Kitchen Tools Needed

To make this Pesto Chicken Pasta easily, here are the tools you’ll need:

• Large pot – For boiling the pasta.
• Colander – To drain the pasta.
• Cutting board and knife – To dice the chicken and mince the garlic.
• Large skillet or pan – For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir everything together.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (tender but still slightly firm).
2. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in the pesto, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce.
2. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well combined.
3. If using, mix in cherry tomatoes or spinach and let them warm up for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh basil.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Fresh Basil Pesto – If possible, make homemade pesto for the freshest flavor. If using store-bought, go for a high-quality brand.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water – Adding a little starchy pasta water to the sauce helps it coat the pasta beautifully.
• Customize It – Swap the chicken for shrimp, add mushrooms, or throw in roasted veggies for extra flavor.
• Make It Lighter – Skip the heavy cream and use extra pesto or a splash of pasta water for a fresher, lighter sauce.
• Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce.

Now you’re all set to make a quick, flavor-packed Pesto Chicken Pasta that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Pesto Chicken Pasta is how flexible it is! Here are some easy swaps and variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

Ingredient Substitutions

• Pasta – Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber, gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option, or zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb version.
• Chicken – Swap for shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different protein. Rotisserie chicken also works for an even faster meal!
• Pesto – Traditional basil pesto is great, but you can also try sun-dried tomato pesto, spinach pesto, or arugula pesto for a unique twist.
• Heavy Cream – Replace with half-and-half, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Parmesan Cheese – Use Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Cheesy Goodness – Stir in mozzarella or cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
• Veggie Boost – Add roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, or peas for more nutrients and color.
• Lemon Pesto Pasta – Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Pesto Chicken Pasta is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a side makes it even better! Here are some ideas:

• Garlic Bread – A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Side Salad – A fresh Caprese salad (tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze) or a simple green salad balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Veggies – Serve with roasted zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Soup – A bowl of tomato basil soup or Italian wedding soup pairs wonderfully with this pasta.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers, don’t worry! This pasta stores and reheats well, making it great for meal prep.

Storing

• Let the pasta cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months (note: creamy sauces may slightly change texture when thawed).

Reheating

• Stovetop: Add the pasta to a pan over medium heat with a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce. Stir until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, and add a little water or olive oil to prevent dryness.
• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed.

FAQ

1. Can I make this pasta without cream?
Yes! You can skip the heavy cream and just use pesto, or add a little reserved pasta water to keep it saucy without the cream.

2. What type of pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle hold the sauce well, but long noodles like fettuccine also work great!

3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just leave out the chicken and add extra veggies or use tofu for protein.

4. How do I make homemade pesto?
Blend together 2 cups fresh basil, ½ cup parmesan, ⅓ cup pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves, ½ cup olive oil, and salt to taste. Adjust oil as needed for consistency.

5. Can I serve this cold?
Yes! This pasta makes a delicious cold pesto pasta salad. Just skip the cream and enjoy it chilled.

This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it a great meal for family dinners or meal prep!

Now you have everything you need to make this easy, flavorful, and totally customizable Pesto Chicken Pasta! Try it out and let me know how you like it!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!