Craving comfort food that’s also incredibly quick? This creamy chicken pesto pasta is your answer! It combines tender chicken, a luscious pesto cream sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes with perfectly cooked pasta. This delicious dish is ideal for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for a special occasion. You can have this satisfying meal on the table in just 20 minutes, making it one of the best quick pesto pasta recipes you’ll find.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Pasta
This delightful recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore this creamy chicken pesto pasta:
- Lightning Fast: Get dinner on the table in a mere 20 minutes from start to finish. This is truly a speedy pesto pasta recipe for busy lives.
- Bursting with Flavor: Experience rich basil pesto, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and savory chicken in every forkful.
- Supremely Creamy: A luxurious, comforting sauce coats every piece of pasta, offering pure indulgence.
- Easily Adaptable: Feel free to swap proteins or add extra vegetables to customize your meal.
- Crowd-Pleading: This versatile dish is perfect for family dinners, a cozy date night, or entertaining friends.
Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Pasta
Crafting the best pesto pasta recipes starts with fresh, quality ingredients. You’ll love how simple and flavorful these components are when combined. Originating in Genoa, Italy, traditional basil pesto is a staple of Italian cuisine.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 8 ounces penne pasta (preferably with ridges)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or quality store-bought, plus more if desired)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Handful of torn fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions:
- Pesto: Homemade basil pesto offers the freshest flavor, but a good quality store-bought brand works beautifully for speed.
- Chicken: Swap chicken for cooked shrimp, crumbled Italian sausage, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Pasta: Any short, sturdy pasta with ridges or grooves, like fusilli, farfalle, or rotini, will hold the creamy sauce well.
- Cream: For a lighter touch, use half-and-half, but reduce it longer or add a bit more Parmesan to achieve desired thickness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes make a delicious alternative.
- Parmesan: Pecorino Romano cheese offers a sharper, saltier profile if you prefer.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools for this easy dinner. Gather these basic kitchen essentials:
- Large pot (for cooking pasta)
- Large non-stick skillet (or cast iron skillet)
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if grating fresh Parmesan)
Step-by-Step Instructions
This creamy chicken pesto pasta recipe comes together so quickly, you’ll be amazed. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal.
- Prep the Ingredients: First, cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch pieces. If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain them thoroughly and chop them into smaller pieces.
- Season the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken in a medium bowl. Season generously with Italian seasoning, a big pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything to ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to the boiling water. Drop the penne pasta into the pot and cook according to package directions until it is perfectly al dente (usually 8 to 9 minutes).
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, use a heat-proof measuring cup or ladle to scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. Set this aside; it’s essential for achieving the best sauce consistency. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Sear the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook, tossing occasionally, for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and completely cooked through.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything vigorously to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce appears too thick or dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water, about 2 tablespoons at a time. Continue stirring until the pasta is glossy and enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce.
- Add the Pesto: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the basil pesto until it is fully incorporated and the pasta is beautifully green. Adding the pesto off the heat helps preserve its vibrant flavor and color, perfecting this creamy chicken pesto pasta recipe.
- Garnish & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish generously with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat if desired, and torn fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Pesto Pasta
Achieving truly memorable pesto pasta recipes involves a few simple tricks. Keep these pro tips in mind:
- Pesto Prowess: Always add basil pesto after removing the pan from the heat. High heat can dull the pesto’s vibrant flavor and color.
- Pasta Water Power: Understanding how starchy pasta water enhances sauces can elevate your pasta dishes. That starchy reserved pasta water is liquid gold! It helps emulsify the sauce, making it incredibly creamy and glossy without extra fat.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use fresh Parmesan cheese and a good quality extra virgin olive oil. These small upgrades elevate the entire dish’s flavor.
- Al Dente Perfection: Cook your pasta until it’s just firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta turns mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well.
- Layered Seasoning: Season the chicken first, then taste the sauce at the end and adjust salt and pepper. This builds flavor at every stage.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Your perfect creamy chicken pesto pasta is versatile and delicious. Here are some ideas for serving, storing, and customizing this fantastic dish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Salad: Pair this rich pasta with a crisp, light green salad. A simple vinaigrette or a Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad offers a refreshing contrast.
- Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or homemade focaccia for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
- Beverage: A light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully. Sparkling water with lemon is also a great choice.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover creamy pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish. The dairy in the creamy sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing, affecting the texture.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk, chicken broth, or water to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken. Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or extra cherry tomatoes for substance.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes to your desired heat level for a bolder flavor. A dash of cayenne pepper works too.
- Other Proteins: Swap the chicken for cooked Italian sausage, pan-seared shrimp, or even plant-based options like cannellini beans or chickpeas.
- Different Pestos: Explore other great pesto pasta recipes by experimenting with alternative pestos, such as sun-dried tomato pesto, kale pesto, or even a walnut-arugula pesto.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutritional values are estimates only. The exact amounts can vary based on specific brands of ingredients and preparation methods. This information is for general guidance.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this pesto pasta recipe vegetarian?
Yes, absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add your favorite roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Is store-bought pesto acceptable?
Certainly! For convenience, a high-quality store-bought basil pesto works wonderfully. Look for brands with fresh ingredients for the best flavor in your pesto pasta recipes.
- Why is pasta water important?
The starchy pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture that coats the pasta beautifully. It brings the sauce together without adding extra fat.
- Can I freeze leftover pesto pasta?
We don’t recommend freezing this dish. The heavy cream can separate and change texture when thawed, impacting the overall quality of the sauce.
- What type of pasta works best?
Short, ridged pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini are ideal. Their nooks and crannies hold onto the creamy pesto sauce perfectly.
Conclusion
Our creamy chicken pesto pasta recipe is a true winner, delivering incredible flavor and comfort in minimal time. This dish proves that delicious, satisfying meals don’t need to be complicated. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this easy pesto pasta recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your cooking repertoire. Give it a try, savor every bite, and let us know what you think in the comments below!