Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Introduction

Creamy pasta dishes have a special way of bringing comfort and indulgence to the table, and Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is one of those meals that feels both cozy and impressive at the same time. With tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a rich pesto cream sauce layered with Parmesan and mozzarella, this dish delivers big flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for a relaxed weekend dinner with family.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is how approachable it is. The ingredients are familiar, the steps are straightforward, and the entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes. Yet the end result tastes like something you might order at a casual Italian restaurant. The creamy pesto sauce clings to every piece of pasta and chicken, creating a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and deeply comforting.

This recipe by Kristin Maxwell has earned its popularity for good reason. It strikes a balance between richness and freshness, thanks to the basil pesto and optional fresh basil garnish. It’s also flexible enough to adapt to what you have on hand, while still being reliable and consistent every time you make it.

If you’re looking for a pasta dinner that feels special but doesn’t demand complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
• Creamy, cheesy pesto sauce with bold flavor
• Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Family-friendly and filling
• Easy to customize with optional add-ins
• Great for leftovers and meal prep

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 4 servings. All ingredients and measurements are listed exactly as provided to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Pasta and Chicken

• ½ pound penne pasta (about 2 ½ cups dry, half of a one pound box)
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Seasoning and Cooking Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Creamy Pesto Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half (or all milk/cream)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup basil pesto (or more, to taste)

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh basil, chopped

Tools & Equipment Needed

To prepare this dish smoothly, gather the following kitchen tools before you begin:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to ensure the sauce is smooth, the chicken is tender, and the pasta is perfectly coated.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and diced chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and lightly browned on all sides.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and discard any liquid left in the skillet.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Return the skillet to the stove over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns golden, about 3 minutes. This step is essential for removing the raw flour taste and building a flavorful base.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the half and half. Bring the mixture to a boil. If it starts to boil too rapidly, reduce the heat slightly. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly.

Step 5: Add Pesto and Cheese

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the basil pesto, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Add the cheeses in small increments, mixing well after each addition to prevent the mozzarella from seizing or clumping.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated in the creamy pesto sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh chopped basil and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips & Variations

These tips help ensure success and allow for flexibility without changing the original recipe structure.

Cheese Handling Tips

• Add mozzarella gradually and mix quickly to prevent seizing
• Grate cheese fresh for smoother melting
• If concerned about richness, start with half the cheese and add more as desired

Optional Add-Ins (As Noted in the Recipe)

These ingredients can be added without altering the core recipe:

• Fresh spinach
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Yellow squash
• Mushrooms
• Cherry tomatoes

Add vegetables after cooking the chicken or during the sauce simmer, depending on texture.

Texture Adjustments

• For a thicker sauce, simmer slightly longer
• For a looser sauce, add a splash of milk during reheating

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is rich and creamy with bold herbaceous notes from the pesto. The Parmesan adds nutty depth, while mozzarella brings stretch and mild creaminess. Garlic and Italian seasoning round everything out, creating a savory, comforting flavor profile with a hint of freshness from basil.

Best Side Dishes

• Simple green salad with light vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted vegetables
• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus

Nutritional Overview

This is a hearty, protein-rich meal designed to satisfy. Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on brands used.

• High in protein from chicken and cheese
• Rich in calcium
• Higher in calories due to cheese and cream
• Suitable for balanced meals when paired with vegetables

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

Make-Ahead

• Chicken can be cooked and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance
• Cheese can be shredded ahead of time and stored airtight

Meal Prep

• Divide into individual portions for lunches
• Store pasta and sauce together to maintain texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. It can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, though it’s best enjoyed fresh for the creamiest texture.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Can this recipe be frozen?

Yes. Store in the freezer for up to 4 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing.

How should I reheat it?

Thaw completely in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a little milk to help loosen the sauce and prevent drying.

Why did my mozzarella clump?

Mozzarella can seize if added too quickly or if the sauce is too hot. Adding it gradually and mixing well helps prevent this.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time Required
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

For a polished presentation:

• Serve in wide pasta bowls to showcase the sauce
• Garnish with fresh basil and cracked black pepper
• Add freshly grated Parmesan at the table

This dish is best served immediately while hot and creamy.

Recipe Variations (Using the Same Ingredients)

These ideas use the same components while changing how the dish is enjoyed.

1. Baked Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
   Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
2. Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet
   Reduce pasta slightly and serve over pasta or vegetables.
3. Family-Style Pasta Platter
   Serve in a large bowl with extra basil and cheese for sharing.
4. Leftover Pasta Bowls
   Reheat gently with milk and enjoy as a next-day comfort meal.

Ingredient Spotlight

Basil Pesto

Pesto is the heart of this dish. Its blend of basil, oil, and cheese brings freshness and depth. Store pesto tightly sealed in the refrigerator and stir before using to redistribute oils.

Chicken Breast

Boneless, skinless chicken breast cooks quickly and absorbs flavor well. Cutting it into even, bite-sized chunks ensures uniform cooking and tender texture.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Cook pasta just to al dente to prevent mushy texture
• Whisk the roux constantly to avoid lumps
• Remove sauce from heat before adding cheese
• Taste and season at every stage

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container
• Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days

Freezing Guidelines

• Cool completely before freezing
• Freeze in airtight containers for up to 4 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	784 kcal
Protein	47 g
Carbohydrates	54 g
Fat	41 g
Saturated Fat	17 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	1082 mg

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy and gluten. Nut content depends on pesto used.

Expanded Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the kind of recipe that earns its place in a regular dinner rotation. It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor, yet simple enough to make on even the busiest nights. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy pesto sauce creates a meal that feels indulgent without being complicated.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing meals ahead of time, or just craving a cozy pasta dish, this recipe delivers consistency and satisfaction every time. Give it a try, make it your own with optional add-ins, and keep it bookmarked for those nights when you want something reliably delicious.

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