Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is not only a delicious treat; it is also a comfort food that brings warmth to any meal. This dish offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, and yet it impresses enough for special occasions. The vibrant basil pesto adds a refreshing twist, making each bite a burst of flavor. Furthermore, adding elements like spinach introduces a healthy touch, making this dish enjoyable for everyone!

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

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)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat the Oven to 400°F (200°C)
Start by preheating your oven, ensuring it’s ready for the final baking step. This step is crucial for creating a golden, bubbling top for your pasta.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne or rigatoni and cook for 2 minutes less than the instructions on the package suggest. This ensures your pasta will finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Take the diced chicken, season it with salt and pepper, and add it to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, drop in the unsalted butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. Next, slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens, creating a rich and creamy base for your sauce.
Combine Sauce with Pesto
Once your creamy mixture is ready, stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is smooth and combined. The pesto will give your sauce a vibrant green color and a delightful flavor.
Mix All Ingredients
Now it’s time to mix everything together! Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce. If you’re using spinach, add it in at this stage. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce, ensuring the chicken and pasta are well mixed.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with Cheese
To make this dish even more indulgent, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the remaining grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This cheese will melt perfectly, offering a gooey, flavorful topping.
Bake
Place the pasta dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly. This step enhances the flavors and adds a lovely texture to the dish.
Rest Before Serving
Once baked, remove your dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the sauce set a little, making it easier to portion out.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also visually appealing. To serve, you can dish it out in bowls or on plates, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese if desired. A side salad and some garlic bread can complement this meal beautifully. Warmed, buttered bread can help soak up any leftover creamy sauce—making for an even more delightful dining experience.

How to Store Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Leftovers of Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta can be stored easily in your refrigerator. Simply place any uneaten portions in an airtight container. They can last about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you expect to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen successfully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Pasta Choice: While penne and rigatoni work great, you can also try other pasta shapes like fusilli or bow ties.
Chicken Alternatives: For an even more tender option, use rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and add it in with the pasta.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to sneak in other vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini, for added flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Variations: Mix it up with different cheeses, like gouda or cheddar, for a unique twist.
Herbs and Spices: Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to elevate the flavor even further.

Variation

You can easily alter this recipe to fit personal tastes. For instance, if you want a more spicy kick, add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter version, switch the heavy cream for half-and-half or use a low-calorie cream substitute. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes or olives can offer an exciting flavor twist, providing a Mediterranean flair to the dish.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, then store it in the fridge before baking. Just make sure to give it a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

Can I use homemade pesto?
Absolutely! Homemade pesto can enhance the flavor profile of the dish and tailor it to your personal preferences.

What can I serve with Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta?
You can serve it with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or even steamed vegetables. These sides complement the rich, creamy pasta well!

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is great for meal prepping! Portion it out into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can opt for any pasta shape you have on hand. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a fantastic recipe that combines ease of preparation with rich flavors. It’s versatile enough to cater to various dietary preferences, making it a winning dish for any occasion. With the steps and tips provided, you’re set up for success in your kitchen. Enjoy the delightful taste of this creamy, cheesy pasta dish!

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Author: ethanmiller
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Pescatarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and delicious creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and a rich, cheesy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the pasta in a boiling pot of salted water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet, season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until cooked through.
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, simmering for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Mix the cooked chicken and pasta into the sauce, adding spinach if desired.
Transfer to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Top with shredded mozzarella and remaining grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken pasta, pesto, weeknight dinner, comfort food