Name: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Kosher salt (to taste); Black pepper (to taste); 8 ounces penne pasta, preferably with ridges; 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for pasta water); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving if desired; 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained if packed in oil; 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or quality store-bought, plus more if desired; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Handful of torn fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 44 reviews

If you are craving something that feels both indulgent and comforting, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is here to satisfy every bite. Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious pesto cream sauce, mingling with perfectly al dente pasta, sun-dried tomatoes adding bursts of sweet tanginess, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. It’s the kind of dish that transforms a simple dinner into a memorable experience, especially when you need fast, flavorful, and fuss-free cooking. Whether it’s a special date night or just a busy weeknight craving, this recipe brings Italian-style comfort right to your table in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface for a meal. In the center, there is a white rectangular plate with three raw, pale pink chicken pieces. To the right, a white bowl holds uncooked yellow penne pasta. Below it, a small clear glass bowl contains dark sun-dried tomatoes. On the left side, a clear glass bowl is filled with green pesto sauce, and above that, there is a clear glass bowl with light yellow olive oil. Near the top center, a small bunch of fresh green basil leaves is placed next to a blue bowl with white grated cheese. Two small wooden bowls, one with salt and the other with pepper, are side by side, with a small piece of yellow Parmesan cheese nearby. A white spoon holds red pepper flakes, all arranged with clear space around each ingredient. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might be simple and familiar, but each plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible harmony of flavors and textures in this dish. From the herbs that brighten the sauce to the cream that adds richness, every component serves a delicious purpose.

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant blend of herbs for depth.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
Black pepper: Brings a subtle warmth throughout the dish.
8 ounces penne pasta: Ridges hold the creamy sauce beautifully for every bite.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: For golden, juicy chicken and a silky finish.
½ cup heavy cream: Creates that dreamy, velvety texture we all love in a creamy sauce.
¼ cup parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor boost and melds everything together.
¼ cup sun dried tomatoes: Provides a sweet and tangy contrast.
½ cup basil pesto: The star ingredient that infuses freshness and herbal brightness.
½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a mild kick that wakes up the palate.
Handful of torn basil leaves: Garnishes with freshness and a pop of green color.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces in Italian seasoning along with a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. This simple step kickstarts the flavor, ensuring each bite of chicken is savory and aromatic before it even hits the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Bring a pot of salted water to a vigorous boil and add the penne pasta. Cooking it just until al dente provides the perfect bite—firm but tender—ready to soak up the creamy sauce without turning mushy.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken. Cook it until golden and fully cooked inside, which takes about 7 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally to get that lovely even sear that seals in juices.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Creamy Sauce

Drain the pasta but reserve about a cup of the cooking water for adjusting the sauce later. Lower the heat on the skillet with the chicken and add the pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir vigorously to help the sauce thicken and coat every piece of pasta in a creamy, cheesy embrace. If things seem dry, a splash or two of the reserved pasta water will bring back that luscious texture.

Step 5: Finish with Pesto and Seasoning

Turn off the heat, remove the skillet from the burner, and gently fold in the basil pesto. The residual warmth is perfect to blend the flavors without cooking away the vibrant green color or fresh herbal notes. Sprinkle with extra parmesan, red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, and torn basil leaves for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

The dish is a white plate filled with three layers of penne pasta coated in green pesto sauce, mixed with small pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken, and garnished with fresh green basil leaves and white shredded cheese scattered on top. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. In the background, there is a white pot filled with more pasta, three small light wood bowls containing black pepper, salt, and red chili flakes, and a small wedge of yellowish cheese, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Torn fresh basil leaves aren’t just for looks — they add a refreshing aroma and burst of herbal flavor. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese helps create that irresistible cheesy top layer that melts beautifully right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread to soak up any remaining creamy goodness on your plate. Light and fresh sides provide balance to the richness of this pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the pasta in wide, shallow bowls rather than deep plates to show off all the colorful ingredients and sauce. Alternatively, portion it into individual mason jars for an on-the-go meal or casual picnic that still feels special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making the next day’s meal even tastier. Just add a splash of water or cream when reheating to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta, but keep in mind the texture of cream sauces tends to change slightly after freezing. If you do freeze, do so in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, or microwave in short bursts, adding small amounts of cream or pasta water to revive the silky sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from curdling.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because its ridges hold the sauce well, feel free to swap in fusilli, rotini, or even farfalle to suit your preference or pantry stock.

Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?

If you have time, homemade pesto adds an unbeatable freshness and vibrant flavor. However, a good quality store-bought pesto works perfectly in this recipe and saves time without sacrificing deliciousness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use a vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor.

How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that enhances the flavors without overpowering them. You can adjust the amount to your personal spice tolerance or omit them altogether for a milder version.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken evenly?

Cutting the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces helps ensure they cook evenly and quickly. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan to get a nice sear instead of steaming.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe whenever you need a quick, comforting meal that feels like a hug on a plate. With its vibrant pesto, tender chicken, and irresistible creamy sauce, it’s bound to become one of your kitchen staples. So grab your favorite basil pesto, and dive into making this Italian-inspired favorite—you’ll be glad you did!