Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is your answer to a cozy yet elevated dinner that feels like a restaurant treat but comes together in no time at home. Tender, pan-seared chicken mingles with corkscrew pasta coated in a luscious pesto-parmesan sauce. Every bite bursts with savory, herby flavor and that touch of indulgence you need after a long day.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or looking for something quick yet impressive for guests, this dish ticks all the boxes. It’s creamy without being too heavy, packed with protein, and can easily be made ahead for busy weeknights or meal prep.

What Kind of Pesto Should I Use?

Go for a classic basil pesto with quality olive oil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. Store-bought versions work beautifully for convenience, but if you have time, a homemade pesto elevates the dish with fresh, bold flavor. You can even experiment with kale or arugula pesto for a fun twist.

Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Chicken Breast
Lean, tender, and protein-packed, chicken breast serves as the hearty element of this dish.

Rotini or Fusilli Pasta
These short, spiraled shapes are perfect for clinging onto the rich pesto sauce in every curve.

Basil Pesto
The hero of the flavor here. It adds brightness, nuttiness, and herbal depth to the sauce.

Heavy Cream
Brings the creamy texture that balances out the punch of the pesto with a smooth richness.

Parmesan Cheese
Grated fresh Parmesan melts into the sauce, enhancing the umami flavor and adding saltiness.

Olive Oil
Used for searing the chicken and adding richness.

Salt & Black Pepper
Simple but necessary for seasoning both the chicken and the final dish to taste.

Garlic (optional)
For a deeper savory note, fresh garlic sautéed with the chicken is always a win.

How To Make the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear the chicken over medium-high heat until golden on both sides and cooked through. Let it rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil a pot of salted water and cook your rotini or fusilli until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce

In the same pan used for chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add pesto and stir in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Add grated Parmesan and splash in a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Finally, fold in the sliced chicken and mix until everything is creamy and well coated.

Step 5: Serve and Finish

Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and a crack of black pepper. A sprinkle of red chili flakes is great for a kick.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Serve this pasta hot as a main course with a simple green salad or roasted veggies on the side. For storing, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. Penne, bowtie, or even spaghetti can work—just pick something that holds onto sauce well.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly less rich. A splash of milk with a bit of butter also works in a pinch.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Not ideal. Cream-based sauces can separate upon reheating after freezing. Best to enjoy it fresh or from the fridge.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the chicken and stir in sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted zucchini.

How do I make homemade pesto?

Blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil until smooth. Adjust oil for your preferred consistency.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Definitely. Just slice and stir it in at the end to warm through.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, you might want to try:

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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a comfort food classic with a gourmet twist. It combines juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich pesto-cream sauce topped with Parmesan. It’s a weeknight wonder that’s easy enough to whip up quickly and flavorful enough to feel like a treat.

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

10 oz rotini or fusilli pasta

1/2 cup basil pesto

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
In the same skillet, lower heat and stir pesto with heavy cream. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add cooked pasta and Parmesan to the sauce. Mix well. Add a bit of pasta water to loosen if needed.
Fold in sliced chicken and toss until everything is coated and heated through.
Serve with extra Parmesan and freshly ground pepper.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner