Chicken Pesto Pasta – Creamy, Easy & Flavor-Packed
This chicken pesto pasta is a quick, creamy, and flavorful dish perfect for busy nights. With tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, and a rich cream sauce, it’s a comforting Italian-inspired meal you can make in just 25 minutes. Beginner-friendly and always delicious.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta penne or your choice
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts cut into bite-size strips
- 1 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips and stir until coated with oil. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until no longer pink outside (okay if not fully cooked).
- Stir in pesto and cream. Lower heat slightly and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain pasta, reserving a splash of pasta water.
- Toss pasta with the sauce in the skillet, adding reserved water if needed to loosen.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Variation: Swap chicken for shrimp for a lighter twist on chicken pesto pasta. Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
Calories: 520
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 420mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Variation: Swap chicken for shrimp for a lighter twist on chicken pesto pasta. Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
Calories: 520
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 420mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g