If you are looking for a comforting yet elegant meal that bursts with vibrant flavors, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. Tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection meld beautifully with a luscious pesto-infused cream sauce, all tossed with silky fettuccine for a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to put together. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend treat, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and satisfaction that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right combination of ingredients is key to nailing this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe. Each item plays a specific role, from building the flavor foundations with garlic and onion powders to adding richness and creaminess with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken that cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for a gentle sauté that locks in flavor without overpowering the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a mellow garlicky taste without the fuss of fresh garlic.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle depth and umami to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The base for the creamy sauce that’s silky and indulgent.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, Parmesan enriches the sauce and helps it thicken beautifully.
- ¼ cup pesto sauce: Bursts of fresh basil, pine nuts, and olive oil bring vibrant herbaceousness to every bite.
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta: Ribbon-shaped noodles that hold onto the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and fluffiness when melted into the sauce.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the other flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper to taste: Provides gentle heat and spice.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Adds color and fresh herbal notes to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This first step ensures your pasta is well-seasoned inside and out. Add the fettuccine and cook it until just al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the brand. Perfect al dente pasta will have that wonderfully firm bite which balances the richness of the sauce later on.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat your chicken breasts dry, then season both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Placing your chicken into the hot oil, let it cook without disturbance for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. This step creates a beautiful crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
Step 3: Rest and Slice the Chicken
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest a few minutes to keep it juicy. Then slice it into thin strips, which will make it easy to mix evenly through the pasta and sauce later.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and pesto sauce until everything melts and blends into a velvety, smooth sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a couple minutes so it thickens just enough to cling lovingly to each strand of pasta.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken
Drain your cooked fettuccine, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning out. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with your pesto-cream sauce and toss to coat every noodle. If the mix seems too thick, slowly stir in some pasta water to reach the perfect creamy consistency. Finally, fold in the sliced chicken, mix gently, and taste for salt and pepper adjustments.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing brings the whole dish alive like a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves on top. Their herbal brightness and pop of green color create an inviting presentation and an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the pesto sauce.
Side Dishes
Serve this luscious pasta alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness or some roasted seasonal vegetables for added texture and nutrients. A crusty garlic bread also makes a fantastic companion to mop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try twirling the fettuccine into neat nests on individual plates, then layering the chicken strips on top for a restaurant-worthy look. Alternatively, serve family-style in a large, shallow bowl so everyone can dig in and grab a perfect bite of creamy chicken and pesto pasta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate leftover Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld wonderfully as it sits, making for even tastier meals the next day.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, it’s best to store the chicken and pasta separately from the sauce to preserve the texture. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at full power to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work wonderfully. Just keep in mind the sauce clings best to noodles with a bit of surface texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to keep it hearty and delicious without meat.
How can I make the sauce less rich?
You can lighten the sauce by swapping half of the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk. Just be aware the sauce may not be as thick or rich but will still taste great.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Definitely. Cook and slice the chicken in advance, store it refrigerated, and add it to the sauce right before serving for convenience without sacrificing freshness.
What brand of pesto works best for this recipe?
Homemade pesto is fabulous if you have time, but a high-quality store-bought pesto with fresh basil, pine nuts, and good olive oil will also yield fantastic results.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comforting combination of creamy sauce, fresh pesto, and perfectly cooked chicken in this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels special enough to impress guests but simple enough to whip up any night. I can’t wait for you to make it, savor every bite, and perhaps even add your own twist to this timeless favorite.
Print
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta combines tender, pan-seared chicken breasts with a luxurious homemade pesto cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. This rich and flavorful dish is elevated by Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, offering a delightful fusion of Italian-inspired flavors perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Heat a large pot of salted water over high heat until boiling. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions, typically 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente.
- Heat the skillet and season chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken and set aside to rest.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently.
- Add cheese and pesto: Stir in grated Parmesan and pesto sauce, mixing well until smooth and cheese melts. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Slice the chicken: While sauce simmers, slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Drain pasta: Drain cooked pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add pasta to skillet with creamy pesto sauce and toss well to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Add chicken and season: Top pasta with sliced chicken and gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken pesto pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Resting the chicken before slicing helps keep it juicy.
- You can substitute fettuccine with any other pasta shape like penne or linguine.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smooth sauce.
- Adjust pesto quantity depending on how strong you prefer the basil flavor.
