Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works perfectly here. If you want a shortcut but still crave that fresh, herby taste, choose a refrigerated pesto for better flavor.

What pasta shapes work best for creamy sauces?

Short pasta with ridges — like penne, fusilli, or rotini — is ideal because it catches the creamy pesto sauce beautifully. However, spaghetti or fettuccine also works if that’s what you have.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, with a few tips. Cool and store it in airtight containers. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to bring back that creamy consistency and heat slowly for best texture.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta | Amazing Weeknight Dinner

Description

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is rich, flavorful, and quick to make. Juicy chicken and bold pesto sauce create the perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Bring large pot of salted water to boil; cook pasta al dente; reserve 1/2 cup cooking water; drain.

2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning; toss with flour.

3. Heat oil in skillet; cook chicken 5-7 mins until browned; remove and set aside.

4. In same skillet, melt butter; sauté onions 3-4 mins until translucent; add garlic, cook 1 min.

5. Deglaze skillet with broth; bring to boil.

6. Stir in pesto, reduce heat; add half and half, garlic powder; simmer 2-3 mins.

7. Return chicken and juices to skillet; simmer 3-4 mins.

8. Stir in Parmesan cheese; add pasta; toss gently; add reserved water if creamier consistency desired.

9. Serve warm, garnish with chopped basil if desired.

Notes

Sauce should not boil to prevent separation.

Best served immediately after tossing pasta with sauce.

Add pasta cooking water if pasta becomes dry.

Optional: add cherry tomatoes before tossing pasta.

Suggested sides: simple salad, sautéed green beans.

Best pasta types: short pasta with ridges or spaghetti.

Reheating tips: reheat slowly over very low heat; add broth or milk if needed for creaminess; if microwaving, use 50% power in short intervals and stir.

Make-ahead tip: sauté chicken and onions, deglaze with broth; cool and refrigerate overnight.

Storage: store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 3-4 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Chicken Recipes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 557
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 922mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 71mg