Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a dish that brings together tender chicken, rich cream, and vibrant basil pesto, making it a delightful choice for any meal. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare, perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. The combination of flavors and textures—creamy pasta, juicy chicken, and melted cheese—will surely please every palate at your dinner table. Plus, it can be put together in about an hour, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Creating this delicious dish is straightforward and requires minimal effort. You will start by preparing your pasta and chicken, then combine all the ingredients in a creamy sauce, and finish by baking everything until beautifully golden. Let’s go through the steps together.

Ingredients

• 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
• 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (about 10.5 ounces total)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3.5 ounces baby spinach (optional, for extra nutrition)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your dish will bake perfectly once it’s ready to go.

2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your penne or rigatoni and cook it for 2 minutes less than what the package instructions suggest. This way, the pasta will be slightly undercooked and still firm, as it will continue to cook in the oven later. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes until it’s cooked through and lightly golden. Once done, remove the chicken from the heat and set it aside.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet that you used for the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked. Next, stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

5. Combine Sauce with Pesto: After the cream has thickened, mix in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is combined smoothly, creating a rich and creamy sauce.

6. Mix All Ingredients Together: Now it’s time to bring everything together. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. If you’re adding spinach for some extra nutrition, toss it in at this stage. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.

7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer your creamy pasta mixture into it. Spread it evenly so that every bit gets nice and bubbly while baking.

8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and remaining grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. This will create a delicious cheesy crust when baked.

9. Bake: Place the prepared baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the cheese to be golden and bubbly, which adds a wonderful texture and flavor.

10. Rest Before Serving: After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This relaxing time allows the sauce to thicken up slightly, making it easier to serve.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is best served warm and fresh from the oven. You can serve it in individual bowls or directly from the baking dish, which adds a homey touch. Garnish each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for an added burst of color and flavor. Pair this dish with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to complete your meal. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

How to Store Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers (though they are unlikely, given how delicious this dish is), you can store them easily. Allow the pasta to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Stored properly, it should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.

When ready to reheat, you can do so in the microwave for a quick meal or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If the pasta appears dry, you can add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.

Tips to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Since this dish relies on a few key flavors, using good-quality basil pesto can enhance the taste significantly. If you have time, try making your own pesto using fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil for an even fresher flavor.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember that the pasta will continue cooking as it bakes. Cooking it just under al dente prevents it from becoming mushy in the final dish.

• Customize the Add-ins: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or protein. Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or cooked shrimp can be great additions for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of milk or add more cheese. For a lighter dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Variation

If you’re looking for a variation on Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, consider adding some sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes for added flavor and texture. You could also try swapping the chicken for grilled shrimp or diced vegetables for a vegetarian version. Another fun twist is to use different pasta shapes, like fusilli or farfalle, which can help trap the creamy sauce and pesto.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with various pasta shapes. You can try spaghetti, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish, put it in the baking dish, and cover it with foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to increase the baking time slightly if it goes into the oven cold.

3. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm up in the oven or microwave.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is not just a dish; it’s a warming hug on a plate. With its rich flavors and creamy consistency, every bite is comforting, satisfying, and sure to leave a smile on your face at the end of a busy day. Enjoy the process and the result as you gather friends and family around the table!

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

A delightful dish that combines tender chicken, rich cream, and vibrant basil pesto, perfect for any meal.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Chicken, Pasta, Comfort Food

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
• 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (about 10.5 ounces total)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3.5 ounces baby spinach (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, sauté for 5-6 minutes until cooked through, then set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream and milk, simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
5. Mix in basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
6. Combine chicken and pasta in the skillet with the creamy sauce. If using spinach, add it now. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
7. Transfer mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
8. Top with shredded mozzarella and remaining grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Great with a side salad or garlic bread. Can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food, Italian Recipes