Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: Easy One-Pot Recipe Tonight!

Creamy pesto chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food. This dish brings together the vibrant flavors of pesto, juicy chicken, and a luscious cream sauce, all twirled around perfectly cooked pasta. The beauty of this creamy pesto chicken pasta lies in its simplicity and how easily you can customize it to your liking.

I remember the first time I made this recipe. It was a cold winter evening, and I wanted something warm, comforting, and quick to make. This creamy pesto chicken pasta hit the spot! It’s been a family favorite ever since, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Why You Will Love This creamy pesto chicken pasta Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly comforting. The creamy sauce combined with the rich pesto creates a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. If you are looking other options for quick pastas, check out this recipe!

Second, it’s quick and easy to make. This creamy pesto chicken pasta can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The simple ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.

The flavor is out of this world! The combination of pesto, garlic, parmesan cheese, and cream is simply divine. The juicy chicken adds a protein punch, while the pasta provides a satisfying base. The best part is that you can easily adjust the flavors to your liking. Add more garlic, more pesto, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. It’s totally up to you!

Ingredients Needed for This creamy pesto chicken pasta Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this incredible dish:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup basil pesto, store bought or homemade
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: cherry tomatoes, spinach, or sun dried tomatoes

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How to Make This creamy pesto chicken pasta Recipe

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this creamy pesto chicken pasta:

1. 1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

1. 2. Cook the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

1. 3. Make the sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the pesto and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

1. 4. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine.

1. 5. Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

1. 6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and your favorite toppings.

How to Serve This creamy pesto chicken pasta Recipe

This creamy pesto chicken pasta is delicious all on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Serve it with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic bread or crusty bread is great for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Use a shallow bowl to artfully plate the pasta and add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh basil.

How to Store This creamy pesto chicken pasta Recipe

Leftovers can be just as delicious! Here’s how to store and reheat your creamy pesto chicken pasta:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, add a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make This creamy pesto chicken pasta Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure that your creamy pesto chicken pasta turns out perfectly every time:

• Use high quality pesto: The quality of the pesto will greatly affect the flavor of the dish. Use fresh, homemade pesto or a high quality store bought brand.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be firm and slightly chewy. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won’t hold its shape.
• Don’t add too much sauce: The sauce should coat the pasta without being too heavy. Start with less sauce and add more as needed.
• Season to taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, garlic, or Parmesan cheese until you reach your desired flavor.

Helpful Notes for This creamy pesto chicken pasta Recipe

Here are some extra details to keep in mind:

• Pesto variations: Try using different types of pesto, such as sun dried tomato pesto or kale pesto, for a unique twist.
• Chicken alternatives: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Pasta shapes: Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Penne, fettuccine, rotini, and fusilli all work well.
• Nut allergy consideration: If you’re using store bought pesto, make sure to check the label for nuts, as some brands contain pine nuts.

Variation of This creamy pesto chicken pasta Recipe

Here are a few ways to customize this creamy pesto chicken pasta to suit your tastes:

• Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, for a more nutritious and colorful meal.
• Spicy Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
• Lighter Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: Use half and half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
• One pot chicken pasta: add everything to one large pot for a satisfying meal that minimizes dishes.

Conclusion

Alright, who’s ready to make some creamy pesto chicken pasta? I promise, this recipe is a winner! It’s easy, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize it to your liking. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful creamy pesto chicken pasta! Let me know in the comments what you think and what variations you’ve discovered!

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