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Creamy pesto chicken pasta dish garnished with fresh herbs

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken and vibrant basil pesto, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying cravings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (about 10.5 ounces total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3.5 ounces baby spinach (optional, for extra nutrition)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until cooked through and lightly golden, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, bringing it to a gentle simmer to let the sauce thicken slightly. Mix in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan until smooth.
  6. Return the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and optional spinach to the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and extra grated Parmesan.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

To keep your Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results. This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the cream.