Creamy chicken pesto pasta is a delightful dish that perfectly balances the rich creaminess of a decadent sauce with the fresh, herby flavor of pesto. It’s a versatile recipe, suitable for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions, and can be easily customized to suit different tastes. Featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxurious pesto cream sauce, this recipe offers the perfect blend of flavors. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to making creamy chicken pesto pasta, along with helpful tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
For the best flavor, consider using high-quality pesto or making your own for a fresher taste. Additionally, learning how to cook chicken perfectly will ensure your chicken stays tender and juicy, adding to the overall quality of the dish.
What is Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta?
Creamy chicken pesto pasta is a comforting and elevated version of the classic pesto pasta dish. It combines the freshness of basil pesto with a rich, creamy sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth and flavorful coating for the pasta. The dish includes pieces of tender chicken, which add heartiness and protein, making it a satisfying meal. Moreover, this recipe is flexible, allowing for various add-ins such as roasted vegetables, extra cheese, or even crispy bacon to suit personal preferences.
Essential Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
To make this creamy chicken pesto pasta recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- For this dish: boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect. They offer protein and a satisfying meaty texture.
- Pesto: Choose homemade or a high-quality store-bought pesto for the freshest flavor.
- Heavy cream or milk: This forms the creamy base of the sauce, adding richness and a silky texture.
- Pasta: Any pasta shape will work, but penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti are popular choices.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that complements the pesto.
- Garlic and olive oil: These add depth to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: are crucial for enhancing the flavor of the dish according to your preference.
Optional ingredients:
- Sun-dried tomatoes: For a touch of sweetness and a hint of tanginess.
- Cherry tomatoes or spinach: Add color and a fresh element to the dish.
- Mozzarella cheese: For an extra cheesy layer.
Equipment Needed
Before starting, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:
- Large pot: To boil the pasta.
- Skillet or saucepan: For cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce.
- Tongs or pasta spoon: To toss the pasta in the sauce evenly.
- Cheese grater: For grating fresh Parmesan.
A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Next, cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest before slicing or shredding.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
As the chicken rests, heat a large pot of salted water until it reaches a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. It is important to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, as this can be used to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Additionally, prepare any optional ingredients while the pasta cooks, such as grating the Parmesan or chopping sun-dried tomatoes.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
After preparing the chicken and pasta, use the same skillet in which the chicken was cooked. If necessary, add a little more olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
Then, stir in the pesto and heavy cream, whisking them together to create a smooth sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly as it cooks.
Step 4: Mix the chicken, pasta, and sauce together.
Now that the sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure it’s coated well with the creamy pesto sauce.
To achieve the perfect consistency, add the reserved pasta water gradually, using just enough to make the sauce silky and cohesive.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
At this point, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and enhance the flavor.
Next, mix in any optional ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or spinach, to add extra flavor and texture. Finally, season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve the Dish
When ready to serve, garnish the creamy chicken pesto pasta with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a restaurant-quality presentation.
It is best to serve the pasta immediately, while the sauce is still warm and luscious.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Use high-quality pesto: The quality of the pesto greatly influences the overall flavor. Therefore, opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto for the best results.
- Cook pasta until al dente: Ensuring the pasta is firm to the bite will help it maintain its texture when combined with the creamy sauce.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken: Properly cooking the chicken ensures it stays juicy and tender.
- Add Parmesan cheese at the end: This prevents the cheese from clumping and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Variations of Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Bacon Creamy Pesto Pasta
For a smoky flavor, include crispy bacon in the dish. Moreover, incorporate some spinach to balance the richness of the bacon and cream.
Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta
Instead of chicken, replace it with shrimp for a seafood version. To bring out the best flavor, season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
For added brightness, finish the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Vegetable Creamy Pesto Pasta
If you prefer a vegetarian option, roast vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes, and mix them into the pasta for added color and nutrition.
In addition, stir in fresh spinach or arugula for a healthy, leafy green touch.
Gluten-Free Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and double-check that the pesto and cheese are also gluten-free.
It is equally important to ensure all other ingredients are suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Serving Suggestions
For an authentic Italian experience, pair the creamy chicken pesto pasta with a freshly baked quick focaccia.
Alternatively, serve alongside grilled branzino for a complete Mediterranean-themed dinner that perfectly complements the flavors.
To make the meal even more satisfying, add a crisp side salad or garlic bread.
FAQs About Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto is a great option for convenience, but homemade pesto will add a fresher and more robust flavor. If you want to make your own, check out how to prepare homemade pesto.
How Can I Make the Dish Lighter?
To lighten up this dish, use milk or a plant-based milk alternative instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese and choose whole-wheat pasta for added fiber.
What Type of Pasta Works Best?
Short pasta like penne or fusilli holds the sauce well, but long pasta such as fettuccine or spaghetti pairs nicely with the creamy pesto sauce.
Can I Prepare Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead and store it separately from the pasta. Reheat the sauce and combine it with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
How can I reheat leftovers without making them dry?
To keep the sauce creamy when reheating, add a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water, and warm over low heat. Stir frequently to maintain the sauce’s smooth consistency.
Conclusion
Creamy chicken pesto pasta is a delicious, versatile, and comforting dish that brings together the richness of cream, tender chicken, and fresh pesto in one satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a variety of occasions, from quick weeknight dinners to special gatherings. Feel free to customize the pasta with different proteins, vegetables, or gluten-free options to suit your preferences.
For a truly delightful dining experience, serve it with freshly baked focaccia or a Mediterranean-style fish.
Try this creamy chicken pesto pasta recipe today, and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Customize it to your liking, and let it become a go-to dish in your kitchen
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz of your preferred pasta such as penne or fusilli
- 1/2 cup of homemade or store-bought basil pesto
- 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into small pieces
- 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts for added crunch
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic minced finely
- Salt and black pepper to season
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the pasta following the directions on the package until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper for seasoning. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh basil pesto and cook for another minute.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined.
- Combine the cooked pasta and chicken in the skillet, stirring to ensure they are evenly coated in the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and top with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Pasta: You can use any type of pasta for this dish, but penne, fettuccine, or rotini are ideal choices as they hold the creamy pesto sauce well.
- Pesto: For the freshest flavor, use homemade pesto. You can use store-bought pesto as a convenient option when you’re pressed for time.
- For the chicken: both breasts and thighs are great choices; just make sure to cook them until they’re golden and tender.
- Add-ins: Feel free to toss in vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a perfect touch of sharpness, but you can also use Pecorino Romano or a blend.