If you are craving a dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, the Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe is an absolute showstopper. This meal blends tender pieces of juicy chicken with al dente spaghetti, all enveloped in a luxurious, rich pesto cream sauce. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of herbal brightness from the pesto, velvety texture from the cream, and savory notes from Parmesan cheese, making it a perfect recipe for family dinners or impressing guests. The best part? It comes together quickly with straightforward ingredients that deliver big flavor and comfort in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each component plays a vital role—from the spaghetti providing satisfying texture, to the pesto and cheeses layering on a melody of fresh and creamy flavors that make this dish so addictive.
- Spaghetti: Use 12 ounces for the perfect pasta base—cooks quickly and holds sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon to sear your chicken, adding subtle fruitiness and crunch.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: About 1 pound diced into ½ inch cubes; tender and quick-cooking.
- Dried basil and oregano: Half a teaspoon each to season chicken with classic Italian herbs.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Butter: A tablespoon to create a silky roux for the sauce base.
- All-purpose flour: A tablespoon to thicken the sauce perfectly without lumps.
- Half and half: One cup brings creamy richness while keeping the sauce light.
- Heavy whipping cream: Half a cup for extra luscious texture and decadence.
- Chicken broth: One-third cup adds savory depth and thins the sauce slightly.
- Parmesan cheese: Three-quarters cup shredded, melts into the sauce adding nutty, salty notes.
- Pesto: Half a cup infuses the whole dish with fresh basil, garlic, and pine nut flavor.
- Basil, pine nuts, and extra parmesan: For garnish, these elevate the presentation and add delightful crunch and freshness.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling the spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions until just tender. Make sure not to overcook it because al dente pasta will soak up the creamy sauce better. Once cooked, drain the pasta but reserve a cup of that magical pasta water—you’ll use it to adjust the sauce consistency later. This step builds the foundation of your dish, and having that reserved water is a little secret weapon to keep things silky and saucy.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Toss the diced chicken cubes with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper for an aromatic boost. Carefully add the chicken to the hot pan and cook until every piece is opaque and no pink remains, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step ensures your chicken is flavorful, juicy, and perfectly cooked—no dryness here!
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce Base
Using the same pan (after removing the chicken), melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste called a roux. Cooking it for 2 to 3 minutes helps get rid of the raw flour taste and yields a velvety texture. This classic technique is what thickens your sauce beautifully without heaviness.
Step 4: Add Cream and Broth
Slowly pour in the half and half, heavy cream, and chicken broth while whisking constantly. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken for 2 to 3 minutes. The creaminess softens the broth’s depth, resulting in a luscious sauce that’s luxurious but not overpowering. This combination is what transforms simple ingredients into something downright indulgent.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Pesto
Take the pan off the heat and immediately mix in the shredded Parmesan cheese and pesto. The residual warmth melts the cheese and blends all the flavors into a smooth, aromatic pesto cream sauce. This step infuses the dish with the unmistakable herby, garlicky pesto flavor while adding that irresistible cheesy richness.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce
Toss your cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat every strand with creamy goodness. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick—this keeps everything silky and perfectly sauced. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix gently to combine all the elements into one harmonious dish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and extra Parmesan cheese on top to add layers of texture and visual appeal. These finishing touches bring a bite of crunch and a pop of freshness that truly brings the dish to life.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves brighten the dish with a subtle herbaceous note, while toasted pine nuts add a satisfying crunch. A generous shower of Parmesan cheese on top not only intensifies the cheesy flavor but also melts slightly with the heat of the pasta, making every bite rich and complex. These garnishes elevate both the flavor and the visual wow factor.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy delight with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Their slight bitterness and crunch contrast beautifully with the richness of the pesto pasta. A warm garlic bread or crusty baguette also makes a fantastic side to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in shallow bowls to highlight the creamy sauce with colorful garnishes on top. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and gloss. You can also plate the chicken cubes on top separately for a stylish restaurant-worthy look that lets everyone appreciate the tender protein alongside the pasta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It holds well because of the creamy sauce, but it’s best enjoyed fresh if possible. When storing, keep garnishes separate to maintain their texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well but with a slight difference in texture upon reheating. Store cooled pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Pine nuts and fresh basil should be added fresh after thawing to preserve their taste and crunch. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm leftovers over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to help redistribute the creamy sauce evenly. Avoid high heat to keep the sauce smooth and prevent separation.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, feel free to try penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni. Just keep the cooking times in mind and remember that pasta shapes with more surface area capture the creamy sauce differently, offering subtle texture changes.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and you can add sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or chickpeas for protein and heartiness. The creamy pesto sauce is rich enough to shine without meat, making it a satisfying vegetarian meal.
What type of pesto is best to use?
Traditional basil pesto makes this dish sing, but you can experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or even a kale version for a twist. Just choose a pesto with flavors you love since it is the star ingredient of the sauce.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the half and half and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to maintain the cheesy flavor. The texture and taste will be a bit different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If your sauce thickens too much, simply add reserved pasta water a little at a time while stirring until you reach the perfect consistency. The starch in the pasta water is a natural emulsifier, helping the sauce coat the pasta smoothly without getting gloopy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe that keeps people coming back for seconds. Its combination of rich, vibrant pesto sauce and tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, I promise this recipe will quickly become one of your favorite dishes to share with friends and family. Give it a try and enjoy every delightful bite!
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Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This creamy pesto pasta recipe combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a luscious pesto cream sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it balances herbs and rich dairy flavors to create a satisfying meal in just under an hour.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces spaghetti (about â…” package)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb, diced into ½ inch cubes)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half and half
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- â…“ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup pesto
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Parmesan cheese
- Pine nuts
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the heated pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains inside the chicken pieces, about 5-6 minutes. Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make Roux: In the same pan, add butter and all-purpose flour. Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden, approximately 2-3 minutes, to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Dairy and Broth: Gradually add half and half, heavy whipping cream, and chicken broth to the roux while stirring to combine. Increase heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly over 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Incorporate Cheese and Pesto: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and pesto until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked spaghetti into the pesto cream sauce and toss well to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to incorporate.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the creamy pesto pasta with chicken and garnish with fresh basil leaves, additional Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts for extra texture and flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water carefully; its starch helps loosen the sauce without watering it down.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Pesto can vary in saltiness; adjust seasoning after adding pesto to the sauce.
- If preferred, substitute chicken breasts with shrimp or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Toast pine nuts lightly in a dry pan for enhanced flavor before garnishing.
