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; 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· 4.2 from 50 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that combines creamy comfort with bright, herbal freshness, the Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. This meal effortlessly brings together tender, seasoned chicken, al dente ridged penne, and a luscious blend of basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan, all wrapped in a rich yet light cream sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it quickly became one of my all-time favorites to cook and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular plate holds three raw chicken pieces with a smooth, pale pink surface, placed in the center of a white marbled background. Surrounding the plate are small bowls and measuring cups arranged in a loose circle: on the top right, a white bowl filled with yellow dry penne pasta; below that, a small clear bowl with dark brown chopped sun-dried tomatoes. On the bottom left, two clear bowls, one with bright green pesto sauce and another with golden olive oil. Above these, a white bowl with light brown dried herbs, a small pale wooden bowl with fine white salt, another similar bowl with ground black pepper, and a blue bowl filled with shredded white parmesan cheese. A light tan wedge of parmesan cheese is near the center top next to a small spoon holding red chili flakes and some fresh green basil leaves. All elements rest on a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to create incredible flavor, texture, and color. Each element, from the chicken to the sun-dried tomatoes, plays an essential role in elevating this dish beyond simple pasta.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cutting into 1-inch pieces helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly.
Italian seasoning: Adds a subtle blend of herbs that perfectly complements the creamy pesto sauce.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and pasta water for balanced flavor.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked for a little subtle heat and depth in the dish.
Penne pasta (preferably ridged): The ridges are perfect for holding onto every bit of sauce.
Extra virgin olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding richness to the pan.
Heavy cream: Creates a silky, luscious sauce that brings everything together.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness; some for stirring in and some for sprinkling on top.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring a tangy, slightly sweet burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
Basil pesto: The star ingredient — fresh, fragrant, and herbaceous to brighten the creamy sauce.
Red pepper flakes: For a gentle kick that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering the dish.
Torn basil leaves: A fresh garnish that adds a lovely herbal aroma and vibrant green finish.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces in Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning mix infuses the meat with classic Italian flavors and ensures each bite is seasoned perfectly. Taking this extra minute here sets a solid foundation for the whole dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. The salty water not only seasons the pasta but also helps balance the rich sauce that’s coming later. Remember to reserve some pasta cooking water before draining—it’s a secret weapon for adjusting your sauce’s consistency.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, which should take about 7 to 8 minutes. This step locks in the juiciness and adds lovely texture contrast, giving your dish a professional touch.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce Base

Lower the heat and add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring everything together. If the mixture looks a bit thick or dry, add some of that reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the sauce is glossy and perfectly coats the pasta.

Step 5: Stir in the Basil Pesto and Finish

Turn off the heat and stir in the basil pesto gently but thoroughly. Finish by sprinkling in red pepper flakes, torn basil leaves, and a bit more parmesan if you like. These final touches layer in fresh herbal notes and a subtle spicy warmth that make this Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe truly memorable.

How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of penne pasta coated in a green pesto sauce, mixed with small pieces of cooked shrimp that have a light brown sear, and garnished with fresh green basil leaves and grated white cheese sprinkled on top. The pasta pieces are tubular and slightly glossy from the sauce. A silver fork rests on the right edge of the plate. In the background, a large white pot contains more of the pasta dish with similar colors and textures. Nearby, there are small wooden bowls filled with coarse salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and a chunk of pale yellow cheese sits on the white marbled surface. A blue bowl is partially visible to the left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A handful of torn fresh basil leaves and an extra dusting of parmesan cheese really elevate the presentation and flavor. They add freshness and a slight herbal brightness that makes each forkful inviting and vibrant. For a touch of color and crunch, a few whole or chopped sun-dried tomatoes scattered on top also look gorgeous.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables that complement the richness without competing. Garlic bread or crunchy focaccia also make excellent companions to sop up that wonderful creamy pesto sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta in rustic bowls or large, shallow plates that allow for easy layering of garnishes and add visual appeal. Sprinkling some toasted pine nuts on top adds a delightful crunch and extra depth, transforming this meal into a restaurant-quality experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day lunch option. Keep the basil garnish separate to maintain its vibrant color and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool the pasta completely and place it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best consumed within 1 to 2 months for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. This helps preserve the creaminess and prevents the chicken from drying out during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne with ridges works wonderfully for holding onto the sauce, fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle are great alternatives and will still soak up the flavors beautifully.

Is homemade pesto necessary for this recipe?

Not at all! High-quality store-bought basil pesto works just fine and saves time. Of course, homemade pesto adds an extra fresh punch if you have the time and ingredients.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to keep the dish hearty and flavorful.

How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes provide a gentle warmth rather than overwhelming heat, but you can always adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences or leave them out entirely for a milder dish.

What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the chicken?

Reheat slowly over low heat and add a splash of cream or water to keep the sauce moist. Using gentle microwave settings in short bursts also works well to avoid drying out the chicken pieces.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—comforting, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough for company. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved meal in your recipe collection!