Save It This Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken is that perfect weeknight dinner when you want comfort but do not want to spend all night in the kitchen. Juicy chicken breast, twirled with pasta and drenched in a basil pesto cream sauce, takes me straight to cozy dinners with my favorite people. The whole dish comes together fast and feels a little restaurant-fancy while still totally approachable.
The first time I made this, my sister was visiting after a long flight and we needed something that felt like a hug in a bowl. Now it is the pasta my family craves on both busy weeknights and when we want to celebrate something special.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: brings protein and soaks up the pesto flavors perfectly Choose plump fresh chicken with no added solutions for best texture
- Salt and black pepper: simple seasoning helps the chicken shine
- Olive oil: helps the chicken turn golden without drying out Choose extra virgin for better flavor
- Pasta: penne or fettuccine both hold the sauce well Pick pasta with a rough texture for best saucy cling
- Unsalted butter: for richness and to bring the sauce together Look for high-fat butter for creamier results
- Fresh garlic: adds punch Opt for firm tight cloves with no green shoots
- Heavy cream: the backbone of the creamy sauce Use fresh cream with no off smells
- Basil pesto: homemade or high-quality store-bought makes the sauce and choose one with lots of fresh basil and a bright color
- Parmesan cheese: freshly grated gives the best melt and flavor Pick real Parmigiano-Reggiano to add that savory depth
- Crushed red pepper flakes: give a gentle heat and balance out the richness Pick bright red flakes that smell spicy but not musty
- Extra Parmesan and fresh basil for serving: make the dish pop visually and add bursts of freshness Select unwilted basil with vibrant leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your chosen pasta until just al dente This prevents mushy noodles later Reserve about half a cup of the cooking water before draining carefully as it is liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later Set pasta aside but do not rinse
- Season and Cook the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry chop into evenly sized pieces so everything cooks at the same pace Sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high so you get a nice sear Add chicken in a single layer Do not stir for the first couple minutes Let it develop color then toss and cook until just cooked through about five to six minutes Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate tented with foil
- Build the Sauce Base:
- Reduce skillet heat to medium Add butter waiting until it foams and subsides Toss in garlic and stir constantly for about one minute until you smell deep garlicky aromas but do not let it brown This gentle step creates that signature comforting note
- Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
- Pour in cream scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan which adds flavor Allow to come to a soft simmer Add pesto and Parmesan cheese Stir steadily letting everything blend for two to three minutes until you see the sauce thicken The cheese should melt right in If you like a bit of kick shake in the red pepper flakes here
- Combine and Coat:
- Return the chicken to the skillet with any juices Toss in the drained pasta Use tongs to fold everything until each piece is coated in the creamy sauce If it seems too thick dribble in reserved pasta water by the tablespoon until it is just loose enough to cling silkily to the noodles
- Season and Serve:
- Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper as you like Plate up immediately with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top and a scatter of torn basil leaves for fresh color and bite
Save It That thick swirl of basil pesto is my absolute favorite part because it reminds me of my trip to Liguria where the smell of fresh basil actually filled the air on market mornings. My kids get the biggest grins when I add extra cheese to their plates and let them sprinkle the basil themselves making it a little event every time.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days When heating gently on the stove, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce If freezing, avoid adding extra basil leaves until you serve to keep them from going dark in storage Reheat over low heat and do not let it boil so the sauce stays creamy rather than splitting
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version Swap cooked shrimp or cubes of firm tofu for the chicken if desired The cooking method is the same just adjust the total time based on protein Gluten free pasta or whole wheat pasta both work just cook according to their specific package directions
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple caprese salad for color and tang Add a loaf of crusty Italian bread to mop up any extra sauce It drinks beautifully with chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc if you are pouring wine
Cultural Context
Creamy pesto sauces like this one are a transatlantic Italian-American twist on classic Ligurian pesto pasta bringing together old world herbs and creamy comfort that suits American tables Traditional Genovese pesto is often tossed with trofie or trenette pasta and green beans Crema was rarely added in Italy but has become a beloved staple overseas This quick version celebrates easy weeknight meals and the enduring love for herby basil in Italian-inspired kitchens everywhere
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in baby spinach pesto or sundried tomato pesto in winter when basil is not at its peak Use grilled zucchini or cherry tomatoes in summer for a veggie boost Try roasted red pepper pesto to add sweetness and color to the sauce
Save It This dish brings smiles to our table and is the first thing requested for celebrations or cozy nights in. Let that creamy pesto sauce work its magic and enjoy every comforting forkful.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of pasta works best?
Penne or fettuccine are ideal, as they hold the creamy pesto sauce well. Other short or long pasta shapes can also be used.
- → Can I substitute another protein for chicken?
Yes, shrimp or tofu are great alternatives. Adjust cooking times as needed for each option.
- → Is the sauce very rich?
The sauce is creamy due to heavy cream and butter, with basil pesto adding flavor and Parmesan giving depth. Light cream may be used for a lighter finish.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Choose gluten-free pasta and double-check pesto ingredients to ensure they meet gluten-free requirements.
- → What garnishes enhance the flavor?
Extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves add both flavor and visual appeal to the final serving.
- → Is this dish suitable for guests with nut allergies?
Pesto often contains nuts such as pine nuts. Check labels carefully or use nut-free pesto if serving guests with allergies.