If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe. It beautifully combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious, herbaceous pesto cream sauce that clings to every bite. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special meal to share, this recipe never fails to impress with its rich flavors and comforting texture. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with smiles, ready to savor every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe’s magic lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. From the tender chicken to the creamy sauce and herb-packed pesto, everything comes together effortlessly to make a satisfying meal.
- Penne pasta: Holds the sauce perfectly with its tubular shape, giving every bite a creamy twist.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy in the sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle fruity richness and helps in cooking the chicken and garlic evenly.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with a fragrant warmth that complements the pesto beautifully.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Brings a balanced blend of herbs that enhance the chicken’s flavor.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Creates a silky base for the sauce and adds depth.
- Flour (2 tbsp): The thickening agent that gives the sauce its creamy body.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds savory richness and layers of flavor without heaviness.
- Half and half (1 cup): Provides the creamy texture that makes this dish decadent yet comforting.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Sharp and nutty, it melts into the sauce for indulgence.
- Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Gives a melty, stretchy texture that is impossible to resist.
- Pesto (1/2 cup): The star green sauce, bright and herbal, tying the whole dish together.
- Fresh basil: For garnish, adding a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Black pepper: A finishing touch that adds a little kick and complexity.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the penne pasta until it’s al dente following the package directions. This ensures the pasta remains slightly firm, which is perfect for soaking up the sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning to release their aromas. Add the chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking them until they are no longer pink in the center. This step is key to juicy, flavorful chicken that forms the protein backbone of the dish. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking until it turns a lovely golden shade—this is your roux that will thicken the sauce perfectly. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and half and half, bringing it to a boil before reducing to a simmer. Let it thicken, stirring frequently, until you have a creamy base ready for the pesto and cheese.
Step 4: Add Pesto and Cheeses
Take the skillet off the heat and incorporate the pesto, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Stir everything together until the cheese melts smoothly into the rich sauce. The pesto adds that iconic herbaceous punch, while the cheeses give a luxurious creaminess that makes this dish special.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and toss everything gently to coat all the pieces evenly with the luscious sauce. This final combination step ensures every mouthful is bursting with creamy, flavorful goodness, making the dish truly irresistible.
Step 6: Serve for Enjoyment
Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of black pepper to add freshness and a little bite. Serve immediately for the best warm, cozy experience that this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe promises.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil leaves on top not only enhances the visuals but brings a fragrant pop of green that complements the sauce beautifully. A crack of fresh black pepper adds a subtle heat that plays well with the creamy texture of the dish.
Side Dishes
Pairing this pasta with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables adds a refreshing balance. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce, making your meal feel complete and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant green pesto sauce. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or toasted pine nuts for crunch, and add a lemon wedge on the side to squeeze over for a bright contrast if you like that little zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy pesto chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to three days, making it a perfect quick meal for busy days ahead.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to keep portions for longer. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and use within two months. To preserve texture, consider freezing the pasta and sauce separately if possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or half and half to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Stir frequently to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and stay juicy. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before combining with the pasta and sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. The creamy pesto sauce will still shine through beautifully.
What type of pesto works best?
Traditional basil pesto is best for this recipe, but you can experiment with sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for exciting flavor twists.
Can I use a dairy-free alternative for half and half?
Yes, coconut milk or almond milk can be used, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if avoiding dairy.
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?
When the sauce coats the back of a spoon and doesn’t run off quickly, it’s ready. Simmer it gently until it reaches this creamy consistency before adding pesto and cheese.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and celebratory about a Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that feels special every time you make it. So gather your ingredients, embrace the wonderful aromas in your kitchen, and create a meal that your family and friends will ask for again and again. You’ll be so glad you did!
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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a comforting and flavorful family favorite dish featuring tender chicken breasts and al dente penne pasta tossed in a rich, creamy pesto sauce made with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Black pepper, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, sautéing briefly until fragrant. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns golden and bubbly, forming a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and half and half, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add pesto and cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the basil pesto, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to thoroughly coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the creamy chicken pesto pasta to serving bowls or plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer until desired consistency is reached.
- Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor, or substitute with store-bought pesto if short on time.
- Pasta can be swapped for gluten-free version to accommodate dietary needs.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
