Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce

Name: Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz (225g) penne pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup pesto sauce; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Quick Meals Collection

I love whipping up this Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce whenever I crave something rich and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and the vibrant flavors of fresh pesto creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The creamy sauce adds a luxurious touch that elevates the entire meal, and it comes together in just a snap. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a family favorite, just like it did in my home!

Created by

Natalie Evans

Last updated on 2026-03-22T21:32:07.438Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was searching for a way to use up leftover chicken. I decided to create a creamy pesto sauce inspired by my favorite dishes from local Italian spots. The fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese blend beautifully with the cream, turning ordinary pasta into something truly special.

After several rounds of testing, I discovered that using a bit of the pasta cooking water when mixing everything together really helps the sauce to cling to the pasta. The result is a dish bursting with flavor and texture, making this a recipe I return to time and time again.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Rich, creamy sauce that's incredibly satisfying
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights
Versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins

Perfecting the Sauce

The creamy pesto sauce is the heart of this dish, providing richness and depth that balance the chicken and pasta perfectly. The heavy cream not only adds a luxurious texture but also creates a coat on each pasta piece, allowing the vibrant flavors of basil and garlic from the pesto to shine through. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can replace half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based milk for a dairy-free option, though the sauce may not be quite as rich.

Temperature control is key when preparing the sauce. Cook the chicken in the skillet over medium heat, ensuring it's heated through without drying out; this should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir the sauce continuously as you add the heavy cream and pesto to avoid curdling, ensuring it remains smooth and glossy. If the sauce begins to bubble too aggressively, reduce the heat immediately to maintain a gentle simmer.

Adding Depth with Ingredients

Feel free to customize this dish by incorporating seasonal vegetables. For example, sautéing some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes in the skillet for a few minutes before adding the chicken can enhance both the flavor and nutritional profile. These ingredients can add color and texture, making your chicken pasta even more visually appealing. Just be sure not to overcrowd the skillet; less is more when it comes to additions.

If you want to amp up the flavors in your dish, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. This little step can elevate the entire experience by contrasting the creaminess with a refreshing zesty note. Additionally, using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese enhances texture and flavor because it melts more smoothly into the sauce.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to bring this dish to life:

Ingredients

8 oz (225g) penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pesto sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste preference!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook until warmed through. Stir in the heavy cream and pesto sauce, mixing well.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Mix to combine, adding reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Dig in and savor the flavors!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding cherry tomatoes or spinach for added color and nutrition. You can also substitute grilled shrimp or sautéed vegetables in place of the chicken for a vegetarian version.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Chicken Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend warming it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. If it thickens too much upon refrigeration, this water helps bring back the right consistency without compromising flavor.

For meal prep enthusiasts, you can cook the chicken and pasta in advance and store them separately. This not only saves time but also allows you to reheat components individually, ensuring a fresher taste. I often make a batch of pesto and keep it in the fridge too; it stays fresh for about a week and can be used for various dishes.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling up this recipe is an excellent way to serve a larger crowd. Simply double the ingredients, keeping the proportions the same. You may need to use a larger pot for the pasta and a bigger skillet for the sauce to accommodate everything. If you're adding more chicken, consider browning it in batches to maintain that golden color and prevent steaming.

Conversely, if you need to scale down, feel free to halve the ingredients. This recipe works well for scaling down because its flavors can still shine through even in smaller quantities. Just be mindful of cooking times, as shorter cooking times may apply, especially for the pasta and chicken heating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a great time-saver and can still deliver fantastic flavor.

→ What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream alternative if needed.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine when ready to serve. Just reheat gently.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for the pasta?

Certainly! Use gluten-free pasta varieties available in most supermarkets.