Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy chicken pesto pasta is a rich, comforting Italian-inspired dish made with tender chicken, velvety basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan, all tossed with al dente pasta in a luscious cream sauce. It’s a perfect 20-minute weeknight dinner or elegant enough for date night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 20 minutes, ideal for busy evenings

• Combines creamy, savory, and tangy flavors for a well-balanced dish

• Easily customizable with your favorite pasta, protein, or pesto

• Uses simple pantry and fridge staples

• A guaranteed family favorite — comforting and satisfying

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 8 ounces penne pasta, preferably with ridges

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if packed in oil

• ½ cup basil pesto, homemade or high-quality store-bought

• ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• Handful of torn fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Season the chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.

2. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water, then cook pasta until al dente (about 8–9 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.

3. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 7–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.

4. Combine: Lower the heat, then add cooked pasta, heavy cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan with chicken. Stir to combine. If dry, add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water.

5. Add pesto: Remove from heat. Stir in basil pesto and mix until creamy and well-coated.

6. Serve: Top with more parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Swap the protein: Try shrimp, turkey, or even tofu instead of chicken.

• Go dairy-free: Use coconut cream and vegan parmesan alternatives.

• Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

• Add veggies: Stir in spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.

• Pesto swap: Use arugula, spinach, or kale pesto instead of basil for a twist.

Storage / reheating

• Storage: Cool leftovers completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Not ideal due to the cream sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta works. Short shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but even spaghetti or fettuccine will do.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely. While homemade has a fresher taste, high-quality store-bought pesto is a great timesaver.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

Yes, you can use whole milk with a bit of butter or a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or oat cream.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

Use halved cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers as a substitute.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Prepare the full dish, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat with a bit of liquid added to loosen the sauce.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Try spinach, broccoli florets, peas, or zucchini—add them when combining the pasta and chicken.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only slightly from the red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste or omit if you prefer it mild.

What cheese works best?

Parmesan is classic, but pecorino romano or even asiago can be used for different flavor profiles.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Double all ingredients proportionally and use a large pot or pan to accommodate the volume.

How can I make it healthier?

Use light cream, whole wheat pasta, or add more vegetables. You can also reduce the amount of cheese and pesto slightly.

Conclusion

Creamy chicken pesto pasta is a quick, flavorful, and deeply satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your table. Whether for a cozy night in or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite in your dinner rotation.

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