Pesto Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and delightful one-pot dish that brings together tender chicken breast, flavorful pesto sauce, penne pasta, basic seasonings, Parmesan cheese, nuts, and herbs. This pasta dish is a perfect comfort food when you're craving authentic Italian flavors. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad, roasted or baked vegetables, or sautéed dishes for both lunch and dinner.
The recipe provided below offers easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process of making Pesto Chicken Pasta. Additionally, a detailed video is available to provide a visually clear demonstration of the preparation.
Jump to:
What is Pesto Chicken Pasta?
Pesto Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying one-pot meal. It typically consists of tender chicken breast, penne pasta, a medley of basic seasonings, and a flavorful pesto sauce. This dish is one of the best pasta dishes when you're craving authentic Italian flavors. Serve it alongside a side salad, garlic bread, and roasted or baked vegetables for a complete dining experience.
What makes Pesto Chicken Pasta truly special is not just its delicious taste but also the ease of making it in just one pot. This recipe is a perfect comfort food option for cozy dinner nights or family date nights. It simplifies the cooking process and minimizes cleanup, making it a convenient choice for home cooks.
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the pesto sauce, with its vibrant combination of fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil. The sauce infuses the pasta and chicken with its irresistible flavors, resulting in a pleasant blend that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
By preparing this dish at home, you have full control over the ingredients and can customize it to suit your preferences, making it a healthier and more satisfying option
Overall, Pesto Chicken Pasta is a delightful food loaded with full of flavors that will please any pasta lover. Whether you're cooking for yourself, or your family, or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to a homemade Pesto Chicken Pasta tonight!
Ingredients & Substitutions
The ingredients you will need for making Chicken Pesto Pasta include basic seasonings, fresh produce, and flavorful pesto sauce. Let's take a look at them below:
For marination
Below are the ingredients you will need for marination:
- Chicken Breast: Provides a tender and protein-rich base for the dish.
- Pesto Sauce: Brings a vibrant and herbaceous flavor to the chicken
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky and sweet flavor to enhance the taste of the chicken
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a savory and aromatic element into the marinade.
- Italian Seasoning: Delivers a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for an Italian-inspired flavor
- Black Pepper Powder: Adds a hint of mild heat and complexity to the chicken
Other Ingredients
Below are the other ingredients you will need for making Chicken Pesto Pasta:
- Pasta (Penne or other varieties): Acts as the main carbohydrate component, offering a satisfying and chewy texture
- Chicken Broth: Substituting water with chicken broth enhances the overall depth of flavor in the pasta
- Heavy Cream: Provides richness and creaminess, balancing the boldness of the pesto sauce
- Parmesan Cheese: Imparts a tangy and nutty taste, elevating the flavor profile of the pasta
- Fats (Olive Oil and Butter): Olive oil lends a fruity and smooth quality, while butter adds richness and depth to the dish
- Nuts and Fresh Herbs: Topping the pasta with nuts (such as pine nuts) and fresh herbs (like basil or parsley) adds crunch and aromatic freshness, enhancing the overall taste and presentation
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Pesto Chicken Pasta at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Pesto Pasta with Chicken, a creamy and easy one-pot meal. It is made with a combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and flavorful pesto sauce that is topped with crunchy pinenuts and herbs. With its creamy texture and aromatic herbs, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and become a new favorite.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
Marinate and Fry Chicken
- Marinate Chicken: Start by combining thinly sliced chicken breast, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pesto sauce in a bowl. Make sure to mix all the ingredients thoroughly
- Cook Chicken: Next, heat some oil in a pan over medium heat and add the marinated chicken breast. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until it is fully cooked
- Check internal temp: It's crucial to ensure that the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which you can confirm using a meat thermometer as advised by the FDA. Now remove it from the pan and slice it for later use
Prep Pesto Chicken Pasta
- Saute the aromatics: In the same pan, add a tablespoon of butter and sauté the onion and garlic until they become aromatic
- Cook the pasta: Now, add the pasta and chicken broth to the pan, and mix everything well. Allow the pasta to cook until it absorbs the chicken broth
- Add heavy cream: To make the pasta creamier, pour in the heavy cream and thoroughly mix it with the other ingredients. Continue cooking the pasta until it reaches a tender consistency
- Season the pasta: When the pasta is cooked to perfection, it's time to add some additional flavors. Sprinkle black pepper, chili flakes, and Parmesan cheese onto the pasta, giving it a well-rounded taste. Stir everything together until the cheese melts
- Mix pesto sauce: Next, incorporate the pesto sauce, sliced chicken breast, and sun-dried tomatoes into the pan. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld together
- Garnish & serve: For a final touch, garnish the pesto pasta with chicken by sprinkling some fresh coriander leaves and toasted pine nuts over the top. Remove the pan from the heat, and the pasta is ready for you to enjoy
Tips
- Thinly slice the chicken breast: Thinly sliced chicken breast ensures quicker and more even cooking, resulting in tender and juicy chicken pieces
- Properly season the chicken: Season the chicken breast with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt to enhance the flavors of the dish
- Marinate the chicken if time allows: If you have time, marinate the chicken breast in the pesto sauce and seasonings for at least 10 minutes. This step helps to infuse the chicken with extra flavor
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- Cook pasta al dente: Cook the pasta until it is al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients
- Stir occasionally: Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent it from sticking and ensure that even cooking
- Adjust the consistency: Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more chicken broth or heavy cream as needed to achieve the desired creaminess
Storage Suggestions
This Chicken Pesto Pasta tastes great when served warm, but it also keeps well for 2 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. However, it's important to note that reheating the pasta may cause the cheese to separate. To maintain the creamy consistency, I recommend heating the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat until it is warmed through. This method actively preserves the dish's integrity, ensuring that each bite retains its delicious flavors.
Serving Suggestions
There are several delicious options you can serve with Pesto Chicken Pasta to create a well-rounded meal. Here are a few suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: Serve some freshly baked garlic bread on the side. The crispy, garlicky bread pairs well with the flavors of the pesto pasta
- Side Salad: Prepare a side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The crispness of the salad adds a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, carrots, broccoli, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes. The roasted veggies bring a delightful burst of flavor and provide a nutritious element to the meal
- Sauteed Dishes: Sauteed veggies such as mushrooms, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans, or spinach. These veggies complement well with pasta for a satisfying meal
Related Recipes
You could also find similar pasta recipes below and more at chicken breast recipes and one-pot meals.
- Pesto sauce
- Pesto Chicken
- Pesto Pasta
- Alfredo Pasta
- Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Shrimp Alfredo
- Salmon Pasta
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- White Sauce Pasta
Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe below that I hope will help you make delicious one-pot meals at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Pesto Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
To marinate Chicken
- 4 piece Chicken Breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp Paprika, use the heat variety of your choice
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Italian Seasoning, optional
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ cup Pesto Sauce
For Pesto Pasta
- 2 cup Penne Pasta, or rotini, spaghetti, angel hair, bow tie pasta
- 2 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- 3 tbsp Onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp Garlic, chopped
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- ¼ cup Pesto Sauce
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ¼ tsp Chili Flakes, or adjust to the heat level
- 6 Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Coriander Leaves, to garnish
- Toasted Pine Nuts, to garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine thinly sliced chicken breast, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pesto sauce. Mix thoroughly. If time permits, it is recommended to let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breast
- Cook the chicken breast for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until it is thoroughly cooked. Always ensure that the thickest part of the breast reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F by using a meat thermometer, as recommended by the FDA for safe consumption
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breast from the pan and slice it for later use
- In the same pan, add a tablespoon of butter and sauté the onion and garlic until they become aromatic
- Add the pasta and chicken broth to the pan, and mix well. Allow the pasta to cook until the chicken broth is absorbed
- Pour in the heavy cream and mix it thoroughly. Continue cooking the pasta until it becomes tender (Note: Stir occasionally during the cooking process to ensure even cooking of the pasta)
- Once the pasta is tender, add black pepper, chili flakes, Parmesan cheese, and mix well
- Now, add the pesto sauce, sliced chicken breast, and sun-dried tomatoes (you can also use whole or chopped tomatoes). Mix everything thoroughly
- Finally, garnish the pesto pasta with chicken with coriander leaves and toasted pine nuts. Remove from heat
- Serve this creamy One Pesto Chicken Pasta topped with sliced cherry tomatoes for a satisfying lunch or dinner. To make it even more enjoyable, consider adding some crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or sautéed dishes as side options. This will provide a wholesome and well-rounded dining experience
Video
Notes
- Thinly slice the chicken breast: Thinly sliced chicken breast ensures quicker and more even cooking, resulting in tender and juicy chicken pieces
- Properly season the chicken: Season the chicken breast with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt to enhance the flavors of the dish
- Marinate the chicken if time allows: If you have time, marinate the chicken breast in the pesto sauce and seasonings for at least 10 minutes. This step helps to infuse the chicken with extra flavor
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- Cook pasta al dente: Cook the pasta until it is al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients
- Stir occasionally: Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent it from sticking and ensure that even cooking
- Adjust the consistency: Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more chicken broth or heavy cream as needed to achieve the desired creaminess
Nutrition
FAQ
When looking for substitutes for heavy cream in Chicken Pesto Pasta, you can consider using cream cheese, or coconut milk for a rich and subtly coconut-flavored alternative, or half-and-half as a lighter option that still adds creaminess with reduced fat content.
When cooking pasta in water, it results in a more neutral flavor profile as the pasta absorbs the water without adding any additional taste. The texture of the pasta cooked in water tends to be softer and less seasoned.
On the other hand, cooking pasta in broth adds depth and complexity to the flavor. The pasta absorbs the flavors from the broth, enhancing its taste. The broth can be seasoned with herbs, spices, or vegetables, imparting a savory and aromatic quality to the pasta. This method can provide a more flavorful and well-seasoned pasta dish.
No, it is not necessary to use only penne pasta for Chicken Pesto Pasta. While penne pasta is commonly used in this dish, you can also use other pasta varieties such as fusilli, farfalle, or spaghetti. The choice of pasta is flexible and can be based on personal preference or the availability of ingredients.
To determine if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F (75°C). Additionally, visually inspect the chicken for opaque meat with no pinkness, and clear juices when cut. The texture should be firm and tender, not soft or rubbery.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
Leave a Review