Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta | Amazing Weeknight Dinner

It’s funny how a simple dinner can feel like a gathering point at the end of a busy day. Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta has this way of bringing everyone to the table with little effort — no fancy tricks, just a warm bowl of goodness that invites conversation and a slow exhale after long hours apart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is everything comfort food should be. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with bold pesto flavor while still being light enough for a weeknight. The juicy, seared chicken makes it satisfying, and you can easily adjust it to suit your pantry. Plus, this comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings or casual dinners with friends.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 12 oz basil pesto
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz pasta (short pasta recommended)
• Chopped basil for garnish (optional)

Substitutions:

You can swap the chicken breast for thighs if you prefer dark meat. Use any short pasta with ridges, like penne or rotini. For a dairy-free version, swap half and half with coconut milk and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining. Set aside.

Step 2 – Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Meanwhile, season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss with flour so it gets a light coating. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3 – Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle boil.

Then reduce heat and stir in basil pesto, half and half, and garlic powder. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so flavors meld.

Step 4 – Combine and Serve

Return chicken and any juices to skillet. Simmer another 3–4 minutes so chicken heats through and sauce thickens slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.

Add cooked pasta and toss gently to coat. If needed, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen sauce. Serve warm, topped with fresh chopped basil if desired.

Tips For Success

• Don’t overcook pasta. Al dente texture holds sauce beautifully.
• Deglaze pan well for deeper flavor. Scraping up those browned chicken bits makes a difference.
• Keep sauce at a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling after adding half and half to prevent separation.
• If sauce thickens too much, loosen with pasta water.

Suggested Sides and Serving Ideas

Serve your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with a crisp green salad or sautéed green beans. Garlic bread makes a great partner too. If you’re in the mood, add a handful of cherry tomatoes before tossing the pasta for a pop of freshness.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips

You can make this ahead by sautéing the chicken and onions and deglazing with broth. Cool completely and refrigerate overnight.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over very low heat, adding broth or milk if needed for creaminess. If using a microwave, heat at 50% power in short intervals, stirring often to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe Card

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More Such Recipes

If you loved this comforting pasta, you might enjoy my garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn or this classic easy chicken pesto pasta recipe. You can also check out parmesan crusted chicken for pasta dinners or cozy up with creamy ranch chicken for comfort food nights.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta finds its way to your table soon! It’s one of those dishes that feels simple yet so special. If you try it, leave a comment, share your feedback, or ask any questions — I love hearing how these recipes work in your kitchens.

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