Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

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Rich, velvety, and packed with flavor, Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the kind of dish that turns a regular weeknight into something special. Tender chunks of seared chicken breast nestle into spiraled rotini pasta, coated in a lush basil pesto cream sauce that clings to every ridge. A final touch of grated Parmesan melts into the warm pasta, bringing depth and a subtle nuttiness to every bite.

This recipe celebrates simplicity with bold impact. The brightness of fresh basil, the earthy garlic tones, and the richness of Parmesan come together in perfect harmony with the creaminess that transforms pesto into a comforting sauce. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing a date night guest, this pasta promises satisfaction and smiles around the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Quick but luxurious – It feels like something you’d order at a trattoria, but it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
• Family-friendly – Kids love the creamy sauce, and adults appreciate the herby pesto kick.
• One-pan potential – With just a few dishes, cleanup is easy.
• Customizable – Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach to make it your own.
• Perfect balance – Cream, cheese, basil, and garlic combine for a sauce that’s indulgent yet fresh.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

(Essential Tools and Equipment + Importance of Each Tool)

Before diving into this delicious Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, it’s worth gathering the right tools to streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta efficiently. A spacious pot allows the pasta to move freely and cook evenly without sticking.
• Skillet or Sauté Pan: Ideal for searing the chicken and making the sauce. A non-stick or stainless-steel skillet ensures a good sear and helps deglaze flavors into the sauce.
• Tongs or Spatula: To flip the chicken and toss the pasta gently in the sauce without breaking it apart.
• Colander: For draining pasta while reserving a bit of that starchy water—it’s gold for loosening the sauce.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for prepping chicken, garlic, and any additional mix-ins like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
• Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds fresher flavor than pre-shredded versions.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Especially important for balancing cream, pesto, and seasoning quantities in the sauce.

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Preparation Tips

• Prep Ahead: Dice the chicken and measure out your pesto and cream before you start cooking. This keeps things moving smoothly.
• Room Temp Chicken: Let the chicken sit out for 10–15 minutes before cooking. It helps it cook more evenly and brown better.
• Salt Your Pasta Water: It should taste like the sea—this flavors the pasta itself.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a ½ cup of pasta water before draining. It helps loosen the sauce and cling it to the pasta.
• Low and Slow Cream: Don’t boil the cream or it may split. Let it simmer gently for a silky finish.
• Use Fresh Basil Pesto: Homemade or store-bought, opt for one with visible basil and a good olive oil base.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

To create this comforting yet vibrant pasta dish, gather the following ingredients. These amounts serve approximately 4 people.

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta like penne or fusilli)
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Chicken:

• 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for added depth)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed to loosen the sauce)

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil leaves
• Cracked black pepper

This ingredient list keeps things straightforward while delivering rich flavor. Feel free to add vegetables like baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to enhance the dish even further.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

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Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet (reduce heat to low), add the minced garlic (if using) and sauté briefly—just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Add the basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined and warmed through. Do not let it boil—keep it at a gentle simmer.

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Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the pesto cream sauce. Toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Add the sliced chicken back into the pan and toss everything together until evenly coated and warmed through.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Plate the pasta into bowls, then top with extra Parmesan cheese, a few fresh basil leaves, and cracked black pepper if desired. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

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Notes

• Pasta Type: Rotini is great for holding onto creamy sauces, but penne, farfalle, or fusilli work just as well.
• Pesto Choice: Homemade basil pesto brings the freshest flavor, but high-quality store-bought pesto can be a real time-saver.
• Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, but expect a thinner sauce.
• Protein Swap: This recipe is flexible—swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian twist.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a kick.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Chicken: It turns dry and tough. Use a thermometer to ensure it’s just cooked through.
• Boiling the Cream: Cream can curdle if overheated. Always keep it on a gentle simmer.
• Using Cold Pesto: Let the pesto come to room temperature before adding it to the sauce to ensure it blends smoothly.
• Skipping the Pasta Water: It’s essential for adjusting the sauce consistency and helping it cling to the pasta.
• Salting Too Late: Salt your pasta water early on—it’s the only chance to season the pasta itself.
• Adding Chicken Too Early: Don’t toss it in until the sauce is just about ready. Overheating can dry it out.
• Too Much Cheese at Once: Add Parmesan gradually to prevent clumping. Stir it in while the sauce is warm but not boiling.
• Draining Pasta Too Soon: Let it cook to perfect al dente texture so it holds up in the sauce without getting mushy.

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What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta?

This hearty pasta dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Whether you want to keep things light or go full comfort mode, there’s something here to round out the meal perfectly.

8 Recommendations:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic pairing. Crunchy on the outside, buttery and garlicky on the inside—perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
2. Caprese Salad
   Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze add a bright contrast to the creamy pasta.
3. Steamed Asparagus
   A simple vegetable side that balances richness with clean, green flavor.
4. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons complement the pasta’s creamy texture.
5. Roasted Broccoli
   The crispy edges and earthy flavor of roasted broccoli make a great foil for the smooth sauce.
6. Sauteed Zucchini
   Lightly sautéed in olive oil and garlic, zucchini adds a fresh, tender bite.
7. Bruschetta
   Toasted baguette topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil for a bright starter.
8. Lemon Vinaigrette Greens
   A simple salad with spring mix or arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette offers a zesty, refreshing contrast.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta tasting fresh, follow these simple storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to prevent excess moisture.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Add a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per Serving — based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 650–700 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on exact brands and portions used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components (pasta, chicken, and sauce) separately ahead of time and combine them just before serving. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream or pasta water to refresh the sauce.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti work well. Just aim for pasta with grooves or curves that hold sauce.

3. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use vegan pesto and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

4. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms are all great additions to enhance flavor and texture.

5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—once it hits 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point, it’s safe to eat. The juices should run clear when pierced.

6. What if my sauce turns out too thick?

Add a bit of the reserved pasta water or a splash of milk or cream while stirring to loosen it up until it reaches your desired consistency.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and make sure your pesto and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

8. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and stir in a little liquid to revive the sauce.

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Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the ultimate combination of cozy and vibrant, with tender chicken and pasta swirled in a rich, herbaceous sauce. It’s a dish that’s fast enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. With endless ways to tweak and elevate, it’s bound to become a staple in your rotation. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s a go-to comfort meal for so many.

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