Chicken Pesto Pasta is a flavorful, creamy dish that brings together juicy chicken, tender pasta, and the bright, herby goodness of basil pesto. It’s quick to make, comforting, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Every bite bursts with the freshness of basil and Parmesan, balanced with tender chunks of chicken.
Ingredients
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12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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¾ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
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½ cup heavy cream
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
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Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Serving
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Serves 4
Instructions
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Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. -
Cook the chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. -
Prepare the sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the pesto and heavy cream, mixing until smooth. -
Combine:
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the pesto sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. -
Add finishing touches:
Stir in Parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through. -
Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Tips
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You can replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a variation.
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Use homemade pesto for a fresher flavor — blend basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, and garlic.
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For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or milk.
Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: 540
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Protein: 38g
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Fat: 26g
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 3g
Chicken Pesto Pasta is a simple yet satisfying meal — creamy, aromatic, and loaded with classic Italian flavor in every forkful.
