Name: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti); 1 lb chicken breast, cut into pieces; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup pesto sauce; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Cherry tomatoes (optional); Spinach (optional); Mushrooms (optional)

I love making this creamy chicken pesto pasta when I want a quick, comforting meal that feels rich and full of flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, fragrant pesto, and a creamy sauce coating every piece of pasta always turns out incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how this dish comes together so easily while still tasting like something special. The pesto adds a fresh, herby depth, while the creamy sauce balances everything out beautifully. I also like how versatile it is, since I can adjust the ingredients based on what I have available.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
chicken breast, cut into pieces
olive oil
butter
garlic, minced
heavy cream
pesto sauce
parmesan cheese, grated
salt
black pepper

optional add-ins:
cherry tomatoes
spinach
mushrooms

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then I reserve a little pasta water and drain the rest.

In a large pan, I heat olive oil and cook the chicken pieces until golden and fully cooked. I season them with salt and pepper, then remove them from the pan and set them aside.

In the same pan, I melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. I pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently before stirring in the pesto and parmesan cheese. I mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

I return the chicken to the pan, then add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. If needed, I add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 3–4 servings.
Preparation time is around 10 minutes.
Cooking time is about 20 minutes.
Total time is approximately 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap chicken with shrimp or keep it vegetarian by adding extra vegetables. I also like using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta depending on my preference. When I want extra richness, I add more parmesan or a touch of cream cheese. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

I often use store-bought pesto for convenience, and it works perfectly in this recipe.

What pasta works best?

I like using penne or fettuccine because they hold the sauce well, but any pasta works.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I can prepare it ahead, but I prefer making it fresh for the best texture.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

I add reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free pesto and cheese.

Conclusion

I find this creamy chicken pesto pasta to be one of the easiest and most flavorful meals I can make. It is quick, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser, making it a go-to recipe whenever I want something delicious without too much effort.