Name: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 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; 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 preferred; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Handful of torn basil leaves

If you’re craving something that’s both indulgent and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor, then you’re in luck. This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is one of those meals that always feels like a special treat, yet it comes together so quickly you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. I absolutely love how the silky cream sauce mingles with savory pesto and tender chicken, creating a perfect harmony that’s both comforting and exciting on the palate.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: From start to finish, it takes just about 20 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed Comfort: Creamy sauce, rich pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes pack a punch of flavor you’ll crave again and again.
Family Favorite: My whole family goes crazy for this dish — it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time.
Versatile & Customizable: Whether you want it spicy, extra cheesy, or loaded with veggies, this recipe adapts beautifully.

The image shows a white plate resting on a white marbled surface, filled with penne pasta covered in green pesto sauce, mixed with small pieces of cooked chicken in light brown color, scattered red pepper flakes, and topped with fresh green basil leaves and white shredded cheese. Beside the plate, there is a silver fork on the right side. In the background, there is a white pot containing more of the same pasta dish. Surrounding the pot are small white bowls holding spices, including red flakes and a light-colored powdered seasoning, and a piece of yellow cheese rests near the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, easy chicken pesto pasta, quick pasta recipes, flavorful chicken pasta, creamy pesto pasta dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe comes from a simple set of ingredients that balance richness and freshness perfectly. When you pick quality pesto and fresh basil, it really elevates the whole dish, so I always keep those on hand.

Flat lay of a small pile of boneless skinless chicken breast pieces seasoned with Italian herbs, a handful of uncooked ridged penne pasta, a small shallow dish of golden olive oil, a small bowl of creamy heavy cream, a quarter cup of grated parmesan cheese in a small mound, a small cluster of sun-dried tomatoes, a half cup dollop of vibrant green basil pesto, a few red pepper flakes scattered nearby, and a few fresh torn basil leaves artfully arranged, all placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, easy chicken pesto pasta, quick pasta recipes, flavorful chicken pasta, creamy pesto pasta dish

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces; chicken cooks quickly and soaks up the flavors.
Italian seasoning: A handy mix that brings some herby depth without breaking a sweat.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both chicken and the pasta water.
Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a little heat and aroma.
Penne pasta: I love ridged penne because it grabs onto the creamy sauce so well.
Extra virgin olive oil: For cooking and adding a fruity richness.
Heavy cream: Creates the lush, velvety sauce that coats everything just right.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty goodness; plus, it melts beautifully into the sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes: A burst of tangy sweetness that cuts through the creaminess.
Basil pesto: The star ingredient—whether homemade or store-bought, it packs fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese.
Red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a subtle kick.
Torn basil leaves: The fresh garnish that brings color and bright herbal notes.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on your mood or what’s in your fridge. Don’t be afraid to experiment—your taste buds will thank you.

Swap the chicken for shrimp: I tried this once for a seafood twist – it cooks even faster and adds a nice briny flavor.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and toss in roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a hearty meatless option.
Dial up the heat: If you’re a spice lover, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a fiery kick.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta: This recipe is flexible, so choose noodles that fit your dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

I like to toss the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper right in a bowl—that way they’re evenly coated and ready to sizzle. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook, tossing occasionally, until each piece is golden and cooked through, usually 7 to 8 minutes. Don’t crowd the pan; this helps the chicken brown nicely instead of steam.

Step 2: Boil Pasta to Al Dente

While your chicken is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and generously salt it—about a tablespoon to season the pasta well. Add your penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, roughly 8 to 9 minutes. Remember to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining; I’ll show you why in just a moment.

Step 3: Combine Cream, Cheese, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Lower the heat under the chicken and stir in the cooked pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. I like to stir gently and add a splash or two of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems thick or dry—it helps everything come together into a glossy, luscious coating that clings beautifully to every noodle.

Step 4: Finish with Pesto and Seasonings

Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the burner, then fold in the basil pesto. This keeps the pesto’s fresh herbal flavor bright and vibrant. Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth, and torn basil leaves for a gorgeous, fresh garnish. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Use Quality Pesto: I learned the difference fresh or high-quality store-bought pesto makes—it brightens up the entire dish.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cooking chicken until just done keeps it juicy and tender; overcooked chicken tends to dry out in this creamy sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is magic for loosening the sauce without watering down flavors.
Add Pesto Off Heat: Stirring pesto in after turning off the heat preserves its bright, fresh aroma and flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

The image shows a large white pot filled with creamy pasta and chunks of chicken mixed with green pesto sauce, with bits of red chili flakes sprinkled on top. The pasta is penne, pale yellow with a smooth texture, and the chicken pieces are golden brown and scattered evenly throughout. Fresh green basil leaves are placed on top as garnish, adding a bright contrast. A few shreds of white Parmesan cheese are sprinkled over the dish. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by a small white bowl of red chili flakes with a spoon, a white bowl filled with white rice, and a block of Parmesan cheese. To the right, wooden salad servers rest on a white oval plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, easy chicken pesto pasta, quick pasta recipes, flavorful chicken pasta, creamy pesto pasta dish

Garnishes

I always top this dish with a handful of fresh torn basil leaves—it adds color and a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness. Extra grated parmesan on the side is a must for those who love a cheesy finish. A light drizzle of good olive oil at the end also adds a luscious touch.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like to keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus for a bit of crunch. Garlic bread or a crusty rustic loaf is perfect for mopping up every bit of that creamy pesto sauce—trust me, it won’t go to waste!

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I served this pasta in little mini cast iron skillets for a cozy dinner party—it felt special and rustic all at once. You can also twirl the pasta onto plates to create lovely spirals, then sprinkle basil and cheese on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation. A small side of marinated olives or sun-dried tomato tapenade pairs beautifully if you want to elevate your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens when chilled, so it’s normal for it to look dense in the fridge.

Freezing

While I prefer to eat this fresh, I’ve frozen it a couple of times when needed. Freeze in portions without the fresh basil garnish. When reheating, the texture changes slightly, but stirring in a splash of cream or milk helps bring back the silkiness.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too but be sure to stir halfway through to avoid hot spots.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne with ridges is great for holding the sauce, you can swap in fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just cook to al dente and adjust sauce quantities slightly if needed.
Is it better to use homemade pesto or store-bought?

Both work well! Homemade pesto has a fresher, brighter flavor, which I adore. However, a good-quality store-bought pesto can save you time and still deliver delicious results—choose one with simple ingredients for best taste.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative (like coconut cream or cashew cream) and use dairy-free parmesan or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. Just keep an eye on the sauce consistency while cooking.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes! Cooking and seasoning the chicken ahead of time can save you a few minutes on busy days. Just reheat gently before combining with the pasta and sauce. It’s a handy trick I use when meal prepping.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

It’s okay to skip them, though they add a lovely tang and texture contrast. You could substitute with roasted red peppers or even fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed until softened.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals whenever I want something fuss-free but flavorful. It’s easy enough for a weekday dinner yet elegant enough to serve guests without stress. I hope you give it a try—I promise you’ll love how the creamy sauce and fresh pesto come together in every bite. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, so be ready to share (or not)! Happy cooking, friend.