This creamy chicken and pesto pasta is one of those easy weeknight meals that tastes amazing yet doesn't take a ton of time to pull together. It's made with a store-bought pesto, cream, and parmesan cheese which makes it so quick and flavorful! I'm such a sucker for creamy pasta dishes so this chicken and pesto pasta is one of those easy recipes that I make all the time!
I actually didn't think my kids would eat this because the pesto adds some "green stuff" but my daughter ate a whole bowl and asked for seconds! That's what I call a WIN in my book! The jury's still out on my son liking this but he's two so we'll give him a pass. 🙂
Creamy Chicken and Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 3-4 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ teaspoon each (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup pesto (I use Classico brand)
- 1 and ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to boil and boil your pasta according to the directions on the package.
- While your pasta is boiling, cut your chicken into bite sized pieces and season with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat and add the butter and olive oil.
- Add your chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked throughout. (I just cut open my biggest piece of chicken and make sure it's not pink inside). This should take around 5-7 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium/low and add in the pesto, cream, and parmesan cheese.
- Add the pasta to the skillet with the chicken and stir to combine.
- Season to taste with a little more salt and pepper.
Video
n and Pesto Pasta" description="This creamy chicken and pesto pasta is one of those easy weeknight meals that tastes amazing yet doesn't take a ton of time to pull together. It's made with a store-bought pesto, cream, and parmesan cheese which makes it so quick and flavorful!"]
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment!
Kristina @ Love & Zest says
This looks so good! All my favorite things in a Pasta dish!
Coco and Ash says
Thanks Kristina! 🙂
Emily says
Mmm I love pesto, I've never used it in this way before but it sounds SO delicious I can't wait to give it a go!
Coco and Ash says
Thanks so much Emily!
Joseph says
Tasty recipe, we actually added some capers and it really stepped it up. But it would go great with capers, artichoke hearts and asparagus.
Allison - Celebrating Sweets says
What a fabulous way to use pesto. This sounds fantastic!
Coco and Ash says
Thank you so much Allison! 🙂
Meg | Meg is Well says
Combining cream and pesto is always so amazing! It really makes the pesto stick to the pasta better. I'd ask for seconds, just like your daughter.
Coco and Ash says
Thanks so much Meg! I totally agree about the cream and pesto too!
Hannah Healy says
Yummy! What a perfect one pot meal! I want some tonight!!
Coco and Ash says
Thanks Hannah!! Wish I could share 😛
Azwihangwisi Magoda says
This is really good! I added some bacon as well and it really paired nicely with the chicken.
Five stars!
Coco and Ash says
Thank you! Bacon makes everything better lol
Sheila says
I added bacon as suggested and baby artichoke hearts. So good!
Coco and Ash says
So glad you liked it Sheila!
Alyssa says
Myndy, thank you very much! I realy liked the recipe, I took it to my recipce book
Coco and Ash says
Thank you Alyssa!!
Olga says
Mindy, it looks perfect and tasty! Can’t wait to have this anytime of the day, love it!
Coco and Ash says
Thank you Olga! I hope you enjoy!
Ally says
Sooo good!!! I think next time I’ll add a tad bit more cream because the following day it was slightly dry but absolutely amazing!!!
Coco and Ash says
So glad you liked it! Adding some cream is a great idea for the left overs 🙂
Alina says
Mindy, thanks! I just love pasta. I actually have never tried making it on my own. I really should!
Celesta Mast says
I made this dish last night and was very good! Made it with canned coconut milk instead of whipping cream since I’m dairy intolerant and kids and hubby didn’t know the difference. Definitely making it again!
Coco and Ash says
Awesome!! Glad you found a way to make it work!!
Chris says
It was a much bigger portion than I planned, but it was AMAZING! I actually added some mushrooms too which worked perfectly. I will have leftovers for a while, but I will definitely make it again!! I would recommend this to anyone! Easy, simple, and delicious!
Chris says
It was a much bigger portion than I planned, but it was AMAZING! I actually added some mushrooms too which worked perfectly. I will have leftovers for a while, but I will definitely make it again!! I would recommend this to anyone! Easy, simple, and delicious!
Coco and Ash says
Thank you!! Glad it was a win 🙂
Julie says
My teenager girls asked me to make pesto pasta with chicken for dinner this week. I never add cream to pesto but think I will try it. Once I make it, will let you know how it turns out. I am sure it’s gonna be delicious.. lol...
Ashley Cuddy says
I made the pasta for dinner and it was amazing! I usually go to Pizza Express for this dish and spend £12 each time for one bowl. I made a big batch today for half the price and it tastes even better!
I was just wondering how many calories are in each serving of this pasta?
Stephanie S. says
Made this last night but added sun dried tomatoes and baby spinach - very delicious! Sprinkled extra parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes on my plate before diving in, gave it that extra kick of flavor. It's a very simple and easy dish to make.
Coco and Ash says
Awesome! Great additions 🙂
JJ says
How many people does this feed?
Coco and Ash says
Serves 6.
Marlene says
Easy , quick and delicious! Did not have cream but substituted with milk and yogurt and still was so good! Thank you for sharing
Carol A. Massie says
I add walnuts and sun dried tomatoes to it. So good!!!
Coco and Ash says
Sounds awesome!
Aaron Zemlock says
Very good and easy. I made it exactly as written and it needed a bit more flavor and texture. I added a jar of sun-dried tomatoes and that did the trick. Thanks for a great recipe.