Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce

Name: Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil leaves; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 2 chicken breasts, diced; 8 ounces pasta (rotini recommended); 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fresh & Balanced Eats

I absolutely adore this Chicken Pasta with Creamy Pesto Sauce! Each time I serve it, the blend of succulent chicken and rich, vibrant pesto never fails to impress. The creamy sauce envelops the pasta perfectly, creating a dish that feels both comforting and indulgent. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it my go-to for weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings. You'll find that each bite is bursting with flavor, thanks to fresh ingredients that elevate this dish to the next level.

Created by

Chelsea Payne

Last updated on 2026-02-27T19:36:49.054Z

When I first made this dish, I didn’t realize how easy and delicious it would turn out to be. The combination of tender chicken and creamy pesto sauce created a flavorful experience I couldn’t resist. I remember experimenting with different types of pasta, and I found that rotini holds onto the sauce exceptionally well, making each bite a delight. This has quickly become a favorite in my home!

One tip I learned along the way is to use homemade pesto whenever possible. It makes a world of difference in flavor compared to store-bought options. If time allows, I love making a big batch and freezing what I don’t use for future meals. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for an extra burst of freshness!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy texture that comforts the soul
Bursting with fresh flavors from homemade pesto
Quick and easy to whip up for any occasion

Perfecting the Pesto

Making the pesto from scratch is what elevates this dish to another level. Fresh basil is essential for the vibrant flavor that defines this sauce. When blending the ingredients, pulse until the mix is smooth but still slightly textured; this gives your pesto character. If you find the mixture too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding an extra drizzle of olive oil, which also enhances the flavor profile and helps it cling to the pasta.

Pine nuts bring a nutty richness to the pesto, but if you're in a pinch, you can substitute them with walnuts or even sunflower seeds for a different taste. Just toast them lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavor before adding them to the food processor. Not only does this enrich the pesto, but it also adds a nice crunch to the overall dish.

Cooking the Chicken Right

To ensure your chicken is juicy and full of flavor, don't rush the cooking process. Cook the diced chicken in a preheated skillet over medium heat, which helps create a beautiful browning on the outside while keeping the inside moist. You can also cut the chicken into smaller pieces for quicker cooking. Just keep an eye on them and stir occasionally, ensuring they cook evenly without burning.

If your chicken starts to stick to the pan, adding a bit more olive oil will help. Once cooked, it should be golden and no longer pink in the center. This step is crucial; overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so it's best to check doneness with a meat thermometer—around 165°F (74°C) is the goal. Remember to let the chicken rest for a minute or two before combining with the sauce for a more succulent result.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen as they sit, making this pasta even more delicious the next day. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. Heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.

For a fun twist, feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes into the mix while cooking the chicken. They'll complement the creamy pesto perfectly and add a pop of color. You can also serve this pasta with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce, making for a truly satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Fresh basil leaves
Garlic
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Pine nuts
Chicken breasts
Pasta of your choice
Heavy cream

Ingredients

2 cups fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 chicken breasts, diced
8 ounces pasta (rotini recommended)
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Freshly cracked pepper
Cherry tomatoes, halved for garnish

Instructions

To prepare this dish, start by gathering all your ingredients. Having everything at hand will streamline the process and make cooking more enjoyable.

Make the Pesto

In a food processor, combine basil leaves, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and pine nuts. Blend until smooth and set aside.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.

Combine Everything

Reduce heat to low and stir in the pesto and heavy cream, mixing well. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat everything evenly. Heat through.

Serve

Plate the pasta and garnish with cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious dish!

For a richer flavor, let the pasta sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to bond beautifully with every ingredient.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

Ingredient Substitutions

This Chicken Pasta with Creamy Pesto Sauce is quite forgiving in terms of ingredients. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream. This variation will keep the dish rich while significantly reducing the calories.

For those with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free pasta or whole grain options. Both will hold up well with the creamy sauce, allowing everyone to enjoy this flavorful dish without missing out.

Scaling Up or Down

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this recipe can be easily scaled. For a bigger crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet to accommodate the additional chicken and pasta. Just ensure you maintain the ratio of pesto to cream for that perfect creamy texture.

Conversely, if you're cooking for one or two, the recipe can be halved without any issues. Any leftover pesto can also be stored in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen in ice cube trays for easy future use in other dishes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, though homemade pesto adds a fresh flavor that enhances the dish significantly.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter option.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.