After a long day, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of pesto chicken pasta. It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and feels like comfort in every bite. With juicy chicken and fresh pesto, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick, tasty, and homemade.
Why We Love This Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
There’s more to love here than just the taste. This pesto chicken pasta recipe is designed to work for your lifestyle:
Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for weeknights
One-pan cleanup – less mess, more time to relax
Balanced meal – protein, carbs, and healthy fats in one dish
Highly customizable – make it your own with endless add-ins
Leftover-friendly – reheats beautifully for tomorrow’s lunch
Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Pasta
Chicken (boneless, skinless) – This is the main source of protein in the dish. It’s crucial to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure tenderness and ease of preparation. Using bone-in or skin-on chicken may alter the texture and cooking time of the dish.
Pasta – While penne, fusilli, or linguine are recommended, any type of pasta can work in this recipe. The key is to select a pasta shape that holds the pesto sauce well, so short, sturdy shapes like fusilli work best.
Basil Pesto – Homemade or store-bought basil pesto is essential for that herby, flavorful base. If you use store-bought pesto, choose one with quality ingredients such as real basil, nuts, and Parmesan for the best flavor.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory, slightly nutty flavor that complements the pesto. Pre-grated cheese can be used in a pinch, but freshly grated Parmesan provides a smoother texture and richer taste.
Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice to sauté the chicken and garlic. It imparts a mild, fruity flavor that complements the pesto sauce. Using a lower-quality oil may affect the taste and overall richness of the dish.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is an essential ingredient for adding depth and aroma to the dish. If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, though it won’t provide the same flavor profile.
How to Make Pesto Chicken Pasta
Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente, following package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cook the Chicken
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Let it rest, then slice it into strips.
Sauté Garlic and Pesto
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the pesto and stir to warm it up. Pour in a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Combine and Toss
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat every piece with pesto. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Garnish and Serve
Plate the pasta and top with optional ingredients like pine nuts, extra cheese, or lemon zest.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pesto Chicken Pasta
You want a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite bistro. These tips help you get there:
Use fresh pesto whenever possible. Homemade or refrigerated store-bought options offer the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the chicken. Resting it after cooking helps retain the juices.
Reserve your pasta water. It’s the key to a glossy, cohesive sauce.
Toast your pine nuts in a dry pan for just 2-3 minutes. It adds a nutty crunch.
Add greens like arugula or kale for a nutritional upgrade without sacrificing taste.
Variations to Try
You can tweak this recipe to match your mood or pantry stock. Here are a few ideas:
Creamy Version
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese with the pesto for a silky texture.
Spicy Kick
Mix in red chili flakes or a touch of cayenne to the pesto while heating.
Vegetarian Adaptation
Skip the chicken and add roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or chickpeas.
Low-Carb Option
Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cooked spaghetti squash.
Serving Suggestions
You want this meal to shine from plate to palate. Here are a few simple serving ideas:
Pair with a simple garden salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette
Serve alongside crusty bread or garlic toast
Add a lemon wedge to the plate to brighten the flavors
Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within 3 days
More Chicken recipes you will love!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pesto Chicken Pasta
What kind of pasta works best with pesto chicken pasta?
Short shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce well, but long pasta like linguine also blends beautifully.
Can I use store-bought pesto for chicken pesto pasta?
Yes, just choose one with quality ingredients like real basil, nuts, and Parmesan. Refrigerated options often taste fresher.
How do I keep pesto from turning brown?
Don’t overheat it. Stir it in at the end and avoid high heat. A splash of lemon juice can also help preserve the color.
Is pesto chicken pasta healthy?
It can be! Use lean chicken, and whole grain pasta, and control cheese or oil portions. Add in leafy greens for extra nutrients.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. It reheats well on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
Pesto Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot
Ingredients
- 2 breasts chicken (boneless, skinless)
- 12 oz pasta penne, fusilli, or linguine recommended
- 1/2 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Let it rest, then slice it into strips.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add pesto and stir to warm it up. Add a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat every piece with pesto. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Plate the pasta and top with optional ingredients like pine nuts, extra cheese, or lemon zest.