Why This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Will Be Your New Go-To

Are you searching for a dinner recipe that’s both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully easy to prepare? Look no further than this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta! This dish masterfully combines tender, juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a vibrant, luscious basil pesto sauce into a meal that’s ready in just 35 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it delivers. Basil pesto, with its fresh, aromatic herbs and nutty undertones, is elevated by the addition of cream cheese and milk, creating a velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken. Parmesan cheese adds a final layer of savory richness, making each bite utterly irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this creamy pesto chicken pasta is sure to impress.

Beyond its delicious taste, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables, adjust the creaminess to your preference, or even experiment with different types of pasta. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that brings joy to the dinner table, proving that quick meals can indeed be gourmet.

Ingredients

This recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients that combine to create a truly spectacular dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• 1 lb cubed chicken breast: Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, absorbing the flavors of the sauce beautifully. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, just be sure to adjust cooking time.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken and sautéing the garlic, adding a foundational layer of flavor.
• 1 tbsp minced garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic punch that is crucial for the sauce’s depth. Don’t use garlic powder; fresh makes a huge difference!
• ½ lb penne pasta: Penne pasta is excellent for capturing creamy sauces with its ridged surface and tubular shape. Other short pastas like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle would also work well.
• 2 cups chicken broth: The broth is key for cooking the pasta directly in the pan, infusing it with flavor and contributing to the sauce’s body. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control salt levels.
• ⅓ cup basil pesto: The star of the show! You can use store-bought pesto for convenience or homemade pesto for an extra fresh taste. Quality pesto will significantly impact the final flavor.
• 5 tbsp cubed cream cheese: This is what gives our sauce its signature creaminess and a subtle tang. Make sure it’s softened or cut into small cubes to melt evenly.
• 1 cup milk: Whole milk or 2% milk works best to achieve that rich, smooth consistency. For an even creamier sauce, you could use half-and-half or light cream.
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a salty, umami finish. Save a little extra for garnish!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta:

1. Cook the Chicken

   In a deep pan or large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the cubed chicken breast. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and lightly golden on all sides. Cooking it in a single layer initially helps achieve a nice sear, enhancing its flavor.

2. Add Garlic

   Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter. This quick step adds a wonderful aromatic base to your dish.

3. Cook Pasta in Broth

   Pour the chicken broth into the pan with the chicken and garlic. Add the penne pasta and stir everything well. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is called deglazing and adds immense flavor to your sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and let it cook for about 12 minutes. Stir frequently during this time to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). If the broth reduces too quickly and the pasta isn’t cooked, you can add up to 1 cup more chicken broth or even water to help it finish cooking.

4. Finish the Creamy Pesto Sauce

   Once the pasta is tender, drain any significant excess broth, leaving just a little liquid to form the sauce base. Immediately add the basil pesto, cubed cream cheese, and milk to the pan. Stir continuously over low heat, allowing the cream cheese to melt and combine smoothly into the sauce. This creates the rich, creamy texture. After the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and thickens the sauce slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy your incredibly flavorful Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta!

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook chicken just until it’s done to keep it juicy and tender. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
• Fresh Garlic Matters: While jarred minced garlic can be convenient, freshly minced garlic offers a superior, more pungent flavor that truly shines in this dish.
• Deglaze the Pan: Those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan after cooking the chicken are packed with flavor. Scraping them up when you add the broth is crucial for building a rich sauce.
• Stir Pasta Frequently: Cooking pasta directly in the sauce means it’s more prone to sticking. Frequent stirring prevents this and ensures even cooking.
• Adjust Broth as Needed: The amount of liquid needed can vary based on your pan, heat, and pasta type. Don’t hesitate to add a splash more broth or water if the pan seems too dry before the pasta is cooked.
• Quality Pesto: The pesto is a dominant flavor. Invest in a good quality store-bought pesto or, better yet, make your own for the freshest taste.
• Serve Immediately: Creamy pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh off the stove when the sauce is at its creamiest and the pasta is perfectly coated.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Dish

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for customization. Feel free to experiment with these ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach (it will wilt down quickly), cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, try shrimp (add cooked shrimp at the very end), Italian sausage (brown and crumble before adding garlic), or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic or a dash of hot sauce to the finished sauce.
• Herb Boost: Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley just before serving for an extra layer of freshness and vibrant color.
• Cheese Swaps: While Parmesan is classic, consider adding a sprinkle of mozzarella or a touch of Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor profile.
• Lemon Zest: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest at the end can brighten up the flavors beautifully.

What to Serve with Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

This hearty pasta dish is substantial enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:

• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Ciabatta: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious creamy pesto sauce.
• Roasted Asparagus or Broccolini: Simple roasted vegetables add a healthy and delicious element to the meal.
• White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio would complement the basil and chicken flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely given how delicious this dish is!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storage: Store any leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to help bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency, as it tends to thicken in the fridge. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is an approximation and calculated automatically. It should be used as a guideline only and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.