Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta in 30 Minutes
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the best way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. No more waiting hours for dinner. After making this many times, I know the secret to the perfect creamy sauce. The sauce is rich and buttery. Try my Hearty Easy Vegetable Stew with Lentils and Potatoes for a complete meal. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Hearty Easy Vegetable Stew and Moist Black Velvet Cake.
Why This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta in 30 Minutes Is Pure Comfort
- creamy texture
- fresh herbs
- quick meal
- family favorite
What You'll Need for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta in 30 Minutes
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 3/4 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
- garlic
- parmesan
- heavy cream
- fresh basil
- salt
- pepper
- Optional: chopped cherry tomatoes
- Optional: grilled shrimp
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
📝 Ingredient Notes
- chicken breast: Use boneless, skinless for best results.
- fettuccine pasta: Use fresh or dried, but avoid overcooking.
- pesto: Use store-bought or homemade for the best flavor.
- heavy cream: Use full-fat for a richer sauce.
- grated parmesan: Add at the end for best melting and flavor.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-stick skillet — Prevents sticking and helps cook evenly → See on Amazon
- Food processor — Makes homemade pesto easier and quicker → See on Amazon
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta in 30 Minutes
- Step 1: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, cook garlic over medium heat until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add chicken breast and cook until browned and nearly cooked through.
- Step 4: Add pesto, heavy cream, and parmesan. Stir until sauce is smooth.
- Step 5: Add cooked pasta and toss until well coated. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 6: Serve immediately and top with extra parmesan and basil.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta in 30 Minutes
- Cooking technique: Cook pasta in salted water for the best flavor.
- Common mistake and fix: Overcooking pasta makes it gummy. Cook until al dente and finish in the sauce.
- Flavor enhancement: Fresh basil adds the best aroma and taste. Use it at the end.
- Sauce consistency: If sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it.
Storing & Reheating Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta in 30 Minutes
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days Make-ahead tip: Make the sauce ahead and assemble when ready to serve
Freezing Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta in 30 Minutes
Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 minutes Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals until hot
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh basil for the best aroma and flavor.
- Best substitution: Use cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan version.
- Make-ahead: Cook and assemble the pasta, then refrigerate. Reheat before serving.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too runny, add a bit more parmesan or cook it longer to reduce.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant-read thermometer — Ensures chicken is cooked to the right temperature without overdoing it → Check price on Amazon
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 3/4 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
Seasonings
- garlic
- parmesan
- heavy cream
- fresh basil
- salt
- pepper
Optional Toppings
- chopped cherry tomatoes
- grilled shrimp
- crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, cook garlic over medium heat until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add chicken breast and cook until browned and nearly cooked through.
- Step 4: Add pesto, heavy cream, and parmesan. Stir until sauce is smooth.
- Step 5: Add cooked pasta and toss until well coated. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 6: Serve immediately and top with extra parmesan and basil.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh basil for the best aroma and flavor.
- Best substitution: Use cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan version.
- Make-ahead: Cook and assemble the pasta, then refrigerate. Reheat before serving.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too runny, add a bit more parmesan or cook it longer to reduce.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 minutes
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in 30-second intervals until hot
- Make ahead: Make the sauce ahead and assemble when ready to serve
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sat. Fat: 10g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta in 30 Minutes FAQs
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and assemble the pasta when ready to serve. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If the sauce is too dry, you can add a splash of pasta water or a bit more heavy cream. Cook the pasta al dente and finish in the sauce for the best texture.
Yes, you can use any long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or penne. The sauce will coat it well and add flavor.
Use fresh basil and high-quality pesto. Add a bit of lemon juice for brightness and a splash of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
This dish is perfect for any season. In winter, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables. In summer, pair it with a light salad.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta in 30 Minutes and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
