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If you are craving a dish that brings together lush creaminess, bold herbal flavor, and tender chicken all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to become your new weeknight hero. It’s a harmonious blend of savory, fresh, and comforting that feels special yet comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients. Every bite offers a silky pesto-infused sauce that lovingly coats each forkful, creating a meal that’s rich in flavor and effortless to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken to the vibrant pesto and velvety sauce, every component is essential to the dish’s overall charm.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The juicy, tender protein base that soaks up all the wonderful flavors around it.
- Fresh garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a slight bite that complements the creamy sauce.
- Fettuccine or penne pasta: The perfect vehicle for holding onto the luscious pesto cream sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates that irresistible, silky texture making this dish truly indulgent.
- Pesto sauce: The herbal heart of the recipe, delivering fresh basil notes and a vibrant green color.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness that perfectly balances the creaminess.
- Olive oil: Used to cook the chicken to golden perfection and add subtle fruity undertones.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings a subtle umami kick to deepen the sauce’s complexity without overpowering it.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken and Garlic
Start by chopping the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly, and mince fresh garlic to release its fragrant oils. This prep sets a strong flavor foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken pieces seasoned simply with salt and pepper. Cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 6 to 7 minutes. This step locks in juiciness while creating a deliciously caramelized exterior.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. This quick step ensures that garlic’s flavor is bright and aromatic, blending seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Pesto
Pour the heavy cream and pesto sauce directly into the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Stir everything together until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld into a perfect creamy pesto blend that clings to each chicken piece.
Step 5: Cook and Drain the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain well, but be sure to reserve a little pasta water – this will help you adjust the sauce consistency in the next step.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the pasta into the skillet with the creamy pesto chicken sauce. Toss everything thoroughly so each strand or piece is coated in that vibrant green sauce. If it feels too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to get it to the silky, saucy finish you crave.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh basil leaves. A light drizzle of olive oil or a few toasted pine nuts can add attractive texture and richness, elevating both taste and presentation.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for freshness, or some roasted vegetables to add earthy depth. Garlic bread or a simple crusty baguette also make fantastic companions to soak up every last bit of that luscious pesto sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamy pesto chicken pasta in individual mini cocottes or wide soup bowls for a cozy feel. Top with edible flowers or microgreens if you want to impress guests with a pop of color and elegance. For casual family meals, a big rustic wooden bowl creates a warm, inviting vibe perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy pesto chicken pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled promptly to maintain freshness and avoid any loss of texture in the sauce.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, this recipe freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. Label and date so you can enjoy this flavorful meal anytime convenience calls.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and stir until heated through. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the cream sauce from splitting.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne are excellent choices, you can swap in fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti depending on what you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make homemade pesto for this recipe?
Yes! Homemade pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil is fantastic here. It adds an extra burst of freshness and lets you control the flavors more precisely, though quality store-bought pesto also works wonderfully.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer darker meat with more fat, which results in extra juiciness. Just cut them into pieces and cook them a bit longer until fully cooked through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
To lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and thick. For a dairy-free twist, coconut cream adds creaminess with a subtle tropical note that pairs nicely with pesto.
How do I make sure the sauce doesn’t separate?
Cook the sauce gently on medium-low heat and avoid boiling. Stir frequently and add reserved pasta water slowly if thinning is needed. This helps maintain a smooth, creamy consistency without curdling.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe is like inviting comfort and vibrant flavor into your kitchen all at once. It balances ease and elegance perfectly, making it ideal for both busy evenings and special dinners. Give this recipe a try soon; it just might become one of your most cherished go-to meals.
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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed to perfection and tossed in a luscious pesto cream sauce with fettuccine or penne pasta. This easy-to-make dish balances savory garlic, fresh pesto, and creamy Parmesan cheese for a comforting meal ideal for weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves thoroughly, ensuring they are ready to be sautéed.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally for even browning.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Cream and Pesto: Pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly to form a creamy sauce base.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta cooking water for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve the desired creaminess.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, enhancing the sauce’s richness and flavor.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pesto chicken pasta warm and enjoy immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Using low-sodium soy sauce enhances umami without overpowering the pesto flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to thin out the sauce and help it cling better to the pasta.
- Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best texture and flavor over pre-grated varieties.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
