If you’re looking for a dinner that’s fuss-free but packed with flavor, this Super Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy, savory, and herbaceous, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family or friends. With tender chicken strips mingling in a luscious pesto cream sauce tossed over perfectly cooked pasta, every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate. Let me walk you through this delightful dish that’s fast enough for weeknights yet fancy enough to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so irresistible is how each simple ingredient plays an essential role in creating a dish that’s full of texture, color, and vibrant tastes. Every item listed works in harmony to bring the sauce to life and the chicken to juicy perfection.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite shape like penne to hold onto the creamy pesto sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for gently sautéing the chicken without overpowering the fresh pesto flavor.
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size strips: Tender protein that soaks up the flavors and creates hearty bites.
- 1 cup pesto: The star of the show, packed with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan to bring that classic Italian flair.
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream: Adds luxurious creaminess, balancing the herbaceous pesto with silky richness.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for elevating all the natural flavors without stealing the show.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A finishing touch that delivers an extra layer of savory goodness and a lovely texture contrast.
How to Make Super Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water—you want the pasta to have some life in it to soak up all that creamy sauce later. Aim for al dente, meaning the pasta should be tender yet with a slight bite, so it holds up perfectly once tossed with the pesto cream.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and stir to coat them evenly. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked through; don’t worry if the outside isn’t browned, as the next step will finish the cooking gently. This method ensures juicy, tender chicken that won’t dry out.
Step 3: Create the Pesto Cream Sauce
Now comes the magic. Pour the pesto and heavy cream into the skillet with your chicken and stir everything together. Let it simmer on low for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken into a luxuriously creamy sauce that clings to every pasta piece.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Drain your perfectly cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together gently so each noodle is coated in that gorgeous pesto cream. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and don’t forget a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired—it instantly elevates the dish to next-level deliciousness.
How to Serve Super Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil, a grating of Parmesan, or even a few pine nuts make for fantastic garnishes that add pops of flavor and texture while brightening the presentation. Even a quick drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can give it a lovely shine and hint of fruity depth.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides such as a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also work wonderfully to soak up any leftover sauce—you’ll want every last bite!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in hollowed-out tomatoes or over a bed of sautéed spinach for added greens. Alternatively, place it in shallow bowls topped with a lemon wedge for a subtle citrus pop that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal, whether reheated or chilled.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it in batches. Freeze in a labeled container for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture of the cream sauce may slightly change, but a quick stir during reheating will bring it back to life.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving at high power or overheating to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works great due to its shape, feel free to use fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti—just cook until al dente and toss as usual.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the sauce?
The heavy cream adds richness and smoothness, but if you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or even a creamy cashew sauce for a dairy-free version.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts to keep the dish satisfying.
How do I make homemade pesto if I don’t want to use store-bought?
Basic pesto is easy to whip up by blending fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor—use the same proportions as store-bought for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
What can I do if my pesto cream sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of pasta cooking water or extra cream while tossing the pasta to loosen the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Super Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe a try the next time you want a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like a special treat. It’s straightforward, comforting, and endlessly versatile, making it a go-to recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Trust me, once you taste how creamy and fresh it is, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Print
Super Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Super Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken strips are sautéed and simmered in a creamy pesto sauce, then tossed with al dente pasta for a comforting meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne recommended)
Chicken & Sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size strips
- 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside but not fully cooked through. Browning is optional.
- Add Sauce: Stir pesto and heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine & Serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy pesto chicken sauce. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use penne or your favorite pasta shape for best results.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Add veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- If you prefer, cook the chicken fully before adding pesto and cream to ensure thorough cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
