Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce

Name: Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta (your choice); 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup fresh pesto sauce; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish; Pine nuts for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Everyday World Food Favorites

I can’t get enough of this Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce! The first time I made it, I was amazed at how quickly the flavors came together. The combination of juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety pesto sauce is simply irresistible. Every bite feels fresh and vibrant, making it a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, and I often find myself improvising with whatever veggies I have on hand. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this dish truly dazzles.

Created by

Serena Whitaker

Last updated on 2026-02-28T05:13:36.069Z

Creating this Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce has been a delightful journey for me. The first time I combined homemade pesto with pasta, and I knew I had stumbled onto something special. Adding chicken gives it substance, while the creaminess of the pesto elevates every mouthful. I love experimenting with different pasta shapes, as they hold the sauce differently, giving a unique taste with each version.

What I’ve found makes a significant difference in this dish is the quality of the pesto. A fresh, vibrant pesto can turn a simple meal into a culinary experience. I often blend my own using basil, garlic, nuts, and cheese, and it infuses every portion with robust flavor. I serve it with a sprinkle of pine nuts on top for added texture and a splash of color!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy pesto sauce that coats the pasta beautifully
Juicy chicken that adds protein and crunch
Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights

Choosing the Right Pasta

When it comes to making Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce, the type of pasta you choose can elevate the dish significantly. For this recipe, I recommend using a shape like penne or fusilli, as their ridges and curves capture the creamy pesto beautifully. If you're feeling adventurous, try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative. Cooking the pasta to al dente ensures that it maintains a slight bite, creating a satisfying contrast to the velvety sauce.

Don’t forget to reserve that 1/2 cup of pasta water! This starchy liquid is key to achieving the ideal sauce consistency. If the sauce appears too thick after combining it with the chicken and pasta, just add a splash of the reserved water to loosen it up. This is a crucial step that can prevent the sauce from overwhelming the ingredients.

Enhancing the Pesto Sauce

The beauty of the creamy pesto sauce lies in its versatility. While fresh pesto is fantastic, you can also make a quick version with store-bought jars if you’re short on time. If you have leftover homemade pesto, it can bring an explosion of flavor and freshness to the dish. Additionally, don't shy away from adding other ingredients to the sauce during simmering. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice heat, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness—both options complement the richness wonderfully.

For a dairy-free version, consider substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. It provides a creamy texture while enhancing the dish with a subtle tropical flavor. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

This Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to bring back the sauce's creamy consistency. Making it a day in advance can actually enhance the flavors as the ingredients have more time to meld together.

To serve, pair the pasta with a light green salad or crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. For added flair, consider sprinkling extra Parmesan and a handful of arugula on top just before serving. This not only adds a beautiful contrast but also brings freshness to every bite.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce:

Main Ingredients

12 ounces pasta (your choice)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup fresh pesto sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Pine nuts for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before starting to cook!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, pesto sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Combine Chicken and Pasta

Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Feel free to adjust ingredient quantities according to your taste preferences!

Pro Tips

Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens up the flavors wonderfully.

Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

For the chicken in this recipe, leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully. Not only does it save time, but it also adds a depth of flavor. If you don’t have cooked chicken handy, you can quickly pan-sear thinly sliced chicken breast in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes until no longer pink. If you want to reduce cooking time, consider using pre-cooked frozen chicken strips as an easy shortcut.

When it comes to the pesto, homemade is always preferred, but if you’re using store-bought, opt for a high-quality brand with minimal additives for the best flavor. Alternatively, you can swap pesto out for a simple garlic butter sauce, adding sautéed garlic and fresh spinach for a different take.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to customize this dish by adding seasonal vegetables. Things like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers can be sautéed along with the chicken for added color and nutrition. For a bit of crunch, consider tossing in some sautéed zucchini or asparagus—just cook them until slightly tender, about 2-3 minutes, to keep them vibrant.

If you're looking for a twist, replacing chicken with shrimp or scallops can create a seafood variation that pairs perfectly with the creamy pesto. Just be mindful of cooking times; shrimp typically cooks in just 2-3 minutes per side, while scallops require a few minutes until they turn a golden brown.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your sauce is too thin, it can often be fixed by simmering it a bit longer to reduce excess liquid. Alternatively, you can create a quick roux by whisking a tablespoon of flour into a bit of cream, then slowly incorporating it back into the sauce to achieve that desired creaminess.

On the other hand, if the sauce turns out too thick or gloppy, adding a touch of the reserved pasta water, as mentioned earlier, will help you salvage the texture. Just do it gradually until you reach the consistency you like. Adjusting salt at the end is essential—taste as you go to ensure the perfect balance!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! While homemade is fantastic, store-bought pesto saves time and works well in this recipe.

→ What type of pasta works best?

You can use any pasta you like; penne or fusilli hold the sauce nicely.

→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead, just combine and reheat before serving.