Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe is a comforting and delicious meal combining tender chicken, a rich creamy pesto sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream, mixing until combined.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water (if needed) to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the creamy pesto sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Use your favorite pasta type, or swap it with a gluten-free option if needed.
- Add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for added nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740 mg