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This ridiculously simple chicken pesto pasta recipe has just 5 ingredients! The chicken is so tender and juicy, and the creamy pesto sauce is silky and irresistible.
You may also enjoy my Creamy Pesto Dressing or Pesto Pan-fried Sausage and Potatoes recipes next.
Why you’ll love it
When you’re don’t really feel like cooking but are craving easy comfort food, this pesto pasta with pan-fried chicken is a clear winner! It’s a 25-minute meal with no fancy ingredients, and the bright, herby pesto cream sauce will be one you crave often.
This pesto pasta is basically a simplified version of my Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomatoes. In fact, I came up with this creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe waaay before that one, but I decided it needs to be featured in all its glory now!
What you’ll need
- Pasta – I like using a sturdy shape like penne to complement all that creamy sauce
- Olive oil – for pan frying
- Chicken – we’re using chicken breasts cut into strips
- Pesto – be sure to choose a basil pesto that you love the flavor of as it’s the star of the dish. Not all jarred pesto is created equal! I highly recommend DeLallo, or make my Homemade Pesto.
- Heavy cream – it takes the sauce to the next level. So luxurious.
Helpful tip
The chicken is cooked very quickly, and it’s fine if it doesn’t brown in this recipe! It’ll be coated in sauce and nice and tender.
How to make chicken pesto pasta
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a skillet, add the oil and chicken. Toss to coat, and cook until no longer pink. Stir in the pesto sauce and cream, then simmer for about five minutes.
Add in the drained pasta, then toss with the sauce and chicken. Give it a taste, and season with salt & pepper if needed. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- I use this Le Creuset skillet for this and many other recipes.
- Use a sharp chef’s knife to easily cut the chicken up.
- This cooking spoon makes tossing everything effortless and won’t scratch your pots and pans.
Substitutions and variations
- Try swapping the chicken for shrimp!
- Feel free to use any kind of pasta you have on hand. Rigatoni or rotini would be good options as well.
- You could add in a handful of fresh spinach towards the end of cooking time for a pop of freshness.
What to serve with chicken pesto pasta
- My top choice would be this Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread. A dinner roll, breadsticks, or fresh crusty bread works too to balance the richness.
- For a salad pairing, try my homemade Olive Garden Salad Dressing.
Leftovers and storage
- Store leftover pesto chicken pasta for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheat slowly over a low heat in a saucepan.
- I don’t recommend freezing leftovers. The texture of sauce may change, and the chicken might dry out.
If you made this creamy pesto pasta with chicken, please leave a star rating and review below! I’d love to hear from you. You can also find me on Instagram.
Super Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta I used penne
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts cut into bite-size strips
- 1 cup pesto click for my recipe or use your favorite store bought
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese optional, to taste
Instructions
- Boil a large, salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, add the olive oil and chicken to a skillet and stir until coated. Sauté over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, until no longer pink on the outside but not fully cooked inside. It's ok if it doesn't brown.
- Add the pesto and cream to the pan, give it a good stir, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Season with salt & pepper as needed and top with parmesan if using.
Notes
- DeLallo’s pesto is my personal favorite.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Added onion and garlic also to this recipe. Perfecto
Thanks, Marisol!
Very easy and tasty, thanks
Thanks, Tony!
Can I meal prep this?
Hi! See “leftovers & storage” in the blog post.
Super easy and super tasty dinner! All the family love it even my 3 year old toddler!
That’s so nice to hear, Ella!
It was great!
I will try with shrimp next time and add spinach
Happy New Year😘
Wonderful!! 😀 Appreciate your review, Kathleen!! Happy New Year! XO
A perfect combination of my two loves, pesto and pasta. Easy to make and delicious.
Yay!! Thanks so much!
My daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease and she’s been missing pasta. Some of the gf pasta doesn’t taste that great, but with this sauce she devoured every bite! The entire family loved this recipe.
Oh that makes me so happy!! 😀
Just made for the family and it was a hit. Thank you
You are very welcome, Scott! 😀
Amazing! Quick, simple, and a huge hit with everyone! We used whole wheat penne to boost the fiber content and it blended right in. Will keep this one in rotation!
Thank you!!
So simple and delicious! Definitely will be making this many more times!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it, Kelly!! 😀 Thanks for taking the time to write me a review!