Name: Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 4 reviews

If you are searching for a dish that’s cozy, bursting with flavor, and utterly satisfying, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine tender chicken pieces bathed in a luscious, garlicky pesto cream sauce, all mingling with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with a golden, cheesy crust. This recipe is one of those rare gems that combines simple ingredients to create a spectacularly rich and comforting meal that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dinners that everyone asks for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two raw chicken pieces with pale pink color and smooth texture are placed side by side on a light wooden cutting board. The board shows a natural wood grain pattern with a few groove lines carved into its surface. The background has a white marbled texture, giving it a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward, each bringing something special to the table—from creamy richness and fresh herbal flavor to cheesy goodness and tender chicken. Selecting the right components helps ensure every bite is balanced and satisfying.

10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta: These shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly, delivering flavor in every bite.
2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Tender protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to a golden finish without sticking.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out natural flavors.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds silky richness to the sauce base.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that complements the pesto.
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Creates the luscious texture that defines this creamy pasta.
1/2 cup whole milk: Lightens the cream just enough for a smooth sauce consistency.
1/2 cup basil pesto: The herbaceous heart of the dish, lending fresh vibrant flavor.
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for savory depth and umami.
3.5 ounces baby spinach (optional): Adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition without overpowering the taste.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible golden, bubbly topping.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A final sprinkle to enhance cheesy richness on top.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ready it for the creamy, cheesy pasta bake that will come together later. This step ensures the dish doesn’t stick and helps the golden crust form beautifully.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta just under al dente—about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. This slight undercooking is important because the pasta will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing all that savory sauce without turning mushy.

Step 3: Sauté Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Season the diced chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then sauté until the pieces are cooked through and lightly golden—this should take about 5 to 6 minutes. The golden crust adds a delicious texture and extra flavor punch. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make Creamy Pesto Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, so you don’t lose that fresh garlic brightness. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken just a little for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until everything is smooth, creamy, and beautifully combined—this sauce is the star of the dish!

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, adding the baby spinach if you like. Toss everything thoroughly, making sure that every piece of pasta and chicken is lushly coated in that amazing creamy pesto sauce. The spinach will wilt slightly in the warm mixture, adding a nice freshness and color.

Step 6: Assemble and Top

Pour this luscious mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and a final 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This cheesy layer will melt into a glorious, bubbling golden crust as it bakes.

Step 7: Bake and Rest

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top has turned a beautiful golden brown and is bubbling invitingly. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle just a little, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

This image shows a white plate filled with a dish that has three main layers. The bottom layer is large, tube-shaped pasta that is pale yellow. The pasta is coated in a creamy white sauce with small green herb bits. On top of the pasta are pieces of chicken with a golden-brown, slightly crispy surface, covered in the same creamy herb sauce. Mixed in are dark green spinach leaves, adding color and texture. The top is sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and small green herb leaves. A silver fork rests against the plate on the right side. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a final touch, fresh basil leaves or a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese never fails to elevate this dish. A few red pepper flakes also add a welcome kick if you enjoy a bit of heat. These simple garnishes bring brightness and layers of flavor to each bite.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a fantastic companion to help mop up every last bit of creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes complement the dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, serve individual portions in shallow bowls with a small drizzle of pesto on top to enhance that fresh basil aroma. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an extra textural and flavor dimension. For casual family dinners, a large casserole-style presentation from the baking dish adds a warm, inviting vibe to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, store any leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This pasta can be frozen, but keep in mind the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container and keep it sealed tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce looks too thick. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to preserve the best texture, but it works well in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni work best for holding that creamy pesto sauce, you can experiment with fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful to cook it slightly under done as recommended.

Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?

Homemade pesto has a bright, fresh flavor you can customize, but a good-quality store-bought pesto is a wonderful shortcut that still yields delicious results, especially when combined with the creamy sauce in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add in hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts to keep the dish filling and flavorful.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, but keep in mind the sauce may be less rich and thick. Coconut cream is an option for a dairy-free twist but will change the flavor profile.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking. You can also mix in a dash of cayenne pepper when making the creamy pesto sauce to give it a subtle but exciting heat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re impressing guests or simply craving a cozy dinner after a busy day, this recipe delivers flavor, richness, and ease all in one beautiful dish. I promise, once you make it, it will become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire you’ll reach for time and again. So grab those ingredients, fire up your skillet and oven, and get ready for some seriously delicious pasta magic!