Name: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ pound Penne pasta (about 2 ½ cups dry, half of a one-pound box); 1 tablespoon Olive oil; 2 Garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons Butter; 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour; 1 cup Chicken broth; 1 cup Half and half (or any milk/cream); ½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup Freshly shredded Mozzarella cheese; ½ cup Basil pesto (or more to taste); Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

If you’re a fan of vibrant, comforting meals, then this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe will quickly become one of your absolute favorites. Imagine tender, juicy chicken chunks and perfectly cooked penne pasta all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy pesto sauce that sings with fresh basil and richness. It’s a simple dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or effortless weekend dinners. The marriage of creamy, herby, and savory flavors in this recipe will make you want to savor every bite and come back for seconds without hesitation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a black pan with a creamy light beige sauce as the base layer. On top of the sauce, there are three piles of toppings placed near each other: shredded white cheese on the left, bright green pesto in the middle broken into two parts, and finely grated pale yellow cheese on the right. A black metal whisk rests on the sauce near the toppings, with some sauce splattered on the sides of the pan. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an essential role in creating the dish’s irresistibly rich flavor and inviting texture. From the al dente pasta to the vibrant pesto, each element beautifully complements the others.

½ pound Penne pasta: Provides shape and texture, perfect to hold onto that creamy pesto sauce.
1 tablespoon Olive oil: Adds a silky base to gently cook the garlic and chicken without overpowering the flavors.
2 Garlic cloves minced: Brings essential aromatic depth with its sharp and savory notes.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend that enhances the chicken with classic Mediterranean herbs.
1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breast: Tender protein source, cut into bite-sized chunks for quick cooking.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that boosts and balances every other ingredient.
2 tablespoons Butter: Creates a rich, golden base for the creamy sauce to build upon.
3 tablespoons All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce, giving it luxurious body and smoothness.
1 cup Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to the sauce’s foundation.
1 cup Half and half or milk/cream: Brings velvety creaminess that makes the sauce indulgent.
½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan: Sharp, nutty cheese that amplifies the pesto’s herbaceous tang.
1 cup Freshly shredded Mozzarella: Melts beautifully to create gooey, creamy strands throughout.
½ cup Basil pesto or more, to taste: The star ingredient! Packed with fresh basil, pine nuts, and garlic, it delivers irresistible flavor and color.
Fresh basil for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant burst at the end, both visually and taste-wise.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta to perfection

Start by boiling the penne pasta until it reaches al dente, which means it still has a tiny bite to it—this texture is perfect because it won’t get mushy when mixed with the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside, as it’ll soon meet the rich sauce and chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the chicken with garlic and Italian seasoning

Heat your large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, then add the diced chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink and has a nice golden-brown crust all over. This step concentrates the chicken’s flavor, making every tender bite satisfying. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and discard any liquid in the skillet to keep your sauce silky.

Step 3: Create the roux and build the sauce

Return your skillet to medium heat and melt the butter. Slowly whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously until it forms a golden paste, or roux, about 3 minutes. This is the magic that thickens your sauce to that perfect creamy consistency without being heavy.

Step 4: Add the broth and cream for a luscious sauce

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half and half, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep an eye on it, and if it starts boiling too aggressively, reduce the heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes so the sauce can thicken and reduce, concentrating its flavors and achieving that dreamy silkiness that will coat your pasta perfectly.

Step 5: Stir in pesto and cheeses, then combine all

Remove the skillet from heat before stirring in the basil pesto and cheeses—Parmesan and mozzarella. To avoid the mozzarella clumping, add it in small handfuls, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth, stringy, cheesy blend. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta and chicken, stirring gently to coat everything evenly in that divine creamy pesto sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta coated in a light green sauce, with three pieces of grilled light brown meat on top. The pasta is penne shape, covered in a smooth sauce speckled with tiny green herbs. Bright green fresh basil leaves are placed on top to add color. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a black fork inside the bowl on the left side. The photo has natural lighting showing the textures of the creamy sauce and grilled meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil and a few cracks of black pepper on top elevate each serving, adding brightness and a lovely herbal aroma that perfectly complements the richness of the dish. These simple finishing touches make your plate look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes also add colorful contrast and a refreshing bite alongside the rich entree.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets straight from the stove to plate, keeping it warm and cozy. You could also try layering the pasta in a clear glass dish sprinkled with extra basil and Parmesan for a stunning visual that invites compliments before the first forkful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare, as everyone loves this dish), store them carefully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy the tasty creaminess without losing quality.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta for longer storage, up to 4 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. This way, your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe keeps its flavors and textures intact for meal prep or busy days.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and maintain its luscious texture. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni work beautifully too. Just pick your favorite shape to make the dish your own.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes. These will soak up the creamy pesto sauce just as well and provide plenty of flavor and texture.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

You can make the sauce up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently rewarm it on the stove, then toss with freshly cooked pasta and any proteins or veggies you prefer.

What pesto should I use for the best flavor?

Fresh homemade pesto is fantastic if you have time, but a good quality store-bought basil pesto also works well here. Choose one with vibrant color and balanced flavors for the most spectacular results.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If your sauce seems thinner than you like, simmer it a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, whisk in a little more flour or add extra parmesan cheese for a firmer, richer consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is your answer. With its perfect balance of cozy creaminess, fresh pesto brightness, and tender chicken bites, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with family and friends again and again. Trust me, once you try it, this pasta will be a staple in your rotation—so give it a go and enjoy every delicious forkful!