Name: Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 8 ounces penne pasta, preferably with ridges; 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for pasta water); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving if desired; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if packed in oil; 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or quality store-bought, plus more if desired; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Handful of torn basil leaves, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 14 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor yet comes together in a flash, this Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Creamy, herby, and perfectly balanced with tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, every bite delights with fresh basil pesto and parmesan magic. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish brings comfort and elegance in equal measure—trust me, it’s that good!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular plate in the center with three raw chicken pieces, pale pink and smooth. Around the plate are small bowls and containers with different ingredients: at the top left, a metal measuring cup with white cream, next to it green basil leaves, a small wooden bowl with white salt, another small wooden bowl with dried herbs, and a chunk of light yellow cheese. To the right, a small white spoon with red pepper flakes, a black bowl with uncooked yellow penne pasta, and a glass bowl with dark sun-dried tomatoes. On the bottom left, a glass bowl with green pesto sauce, a glass bowl with yellow olive oil, and a white bowl with dried spices. The whole arrangement is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe shines because of its straightforward, quality ingredients—each one playing a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that will make your meal unforgettable.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant blend of herbs that complements the pesto’s basil notes.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors and seasons everything perfectly.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and depth without overpowering the pesto.
Penne pasta: Ridged for maximum sauce cling, creating that perfect creamy coating per bite.
Extra virgin olive oil: For searing the chicken, adding richness and helping build flavor layers.
Heavy cream: Brings a luscious, velvety texture that ties the sauce together beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, it deepens the sauce and adds delightful savory notes.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide bursts of tangy sweetness that contrast the herbaceous pesto.
Basil pesto: The star ingredient — fragrant, vibrant, and packed with fresh green flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but a pinch adds exciting warmth just under the surface.
Torn basil leaves: For a fresh, aromatic garnish that brings the whole dish to life.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by tossing the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This simple step infuses your chicken with flavor right from the start, ensuring every bite is savory and well-seasoned.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne until just al dente according to package instructions. The ridges on the pasta will help grab onto the pesto and creamy sauce later, so don’t skip this crucial texture step!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside, about 7 to 8 minutes. This step locks in the juicy flavors and builds a gorgeous base for the sauce.

Step 4: Drain the Pasta

Once the pasta is perfectly al dente, reserve about a cup of the cooking water before draining. That starchy pasta water will be your secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency in the next steps.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together until well combined. If the sauce feels thick or dry, slowly add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to create a glossy, creamy coating that envelops every piece of pasta and chicken.

Step 6: Add the Pesto

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh basil pesto. Finish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan, red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if you like, and torn basil leaves. This final touch lifts the dish with fresh aroma and vibrant color — a true sensory delight in this Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe.

How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of penne pasta mixed with green pesto sauce, small light brown pieces of chicken, and tiny red chili flakes scattered on top. The pasta and chicken are coated with the sauce giving a slightly glossy look, and there are a few small green basil leaves placed around for decoration. Shredded white parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the dish, adding texture and contrast. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. In the background on a white marbled surface, there is a large white pot filled with the same pasta, alongside small wooden bowls containing salt, pepper, and crushed chili flakes, and a block of yellow cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Torn fresh basil leaves and an extra dusting of parmesan add fantastic color and texture contrast. A few red pepper flakes sprinkled on top wake up the flavors and add a subtle warmth that plays beautifully against the herby pesto.

Side Dishes

Serve this pasta alongside a crisp green salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette also pairs wonderfully, perfect for mopping up every last flavorful bite of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, tuck your Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe into individual shallow bowls garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. Or try tossing in toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and a toasty note that complements the pesto perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chicken Pesto Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for easy next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may soften after thawing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. This ensures your Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe tastes just as delightful as when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works beautifully for grabbing sauce, fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni are also great choices that hold pesto well.

Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?

Fresh homemade pesto offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor, but a quality store-bought pesto can be a fantastic shortcut without compromising taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add mild warmth, but you can adjust or skip them entirely depending on your heat preference.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but heavy cream delivers the creamiest, richest texture.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and creamy sauce comes together effortlessly and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish every time. So go ahead and make it tonight — I promise you’ll be smiling with every delicious forkful!