Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe | Easy Creamy Dinner
Pesto Pasta with Chicken is a delicious and easy meal made with tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich, herbaceous pesto sauce. Tossed with parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this dish delivers bold, fresh flavors in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Knife + cutting board
- Blender or food processor (if making pesto)
- Wooden spoon or tongs
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Slice into strips or cubes.
- Make or Use Pesto: Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil until smooth, or use store-bought pesto.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return pasta to the pot. Add chicken and pesto. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water gradually until sauce coats evenly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help the pesto coat evenly.
- Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and nutrition.
- Chicken thighs provide extra flavor, while breasts keep it lean.
- Store-bought pesto saves time, but homemade offers fresher taste.
- Add roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrients.