Discover the ultimate weeknight hero: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta. This delightful dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a vibrant pesto sauce for a meal that’s both incredibly quick to prepare and deeply satisfying. Perfect for busy evenings, its rich flavors and comforting warmth make it an instant family favorite. If you’re a pasta enthusiast always on the hunt for delicious and simple recipes, you’re in the right place. Beyond this pesto masterpiece, be sure to explore other comforting pasta bakes like this Penne Pasta Bake or the seasonal delight of Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta.
Why Homemade Chicken Pesto Pasta is a Weeknight Revelation
While dining out offers its own charm, there’s an unparalleled satisfaction that comes from creating a truly exceptional meal in your own kitchen. This holds especially true for pasta dishes. Often, restaurant pasta can be underwhelming, lacking the fresh, robust flavors and perfect texture that a homemade version delivers. This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a prime example of a dish that truly shines when prepared at home, offering a gourmet experience without the fuss or the hefty price tag.
What elevates this recipe from simply good to absolutely essential for your weekly rotation? Its incredible simplicity and speed. By utilizing pre-cooked, shredded chicken – a true game-changer for efficient meal prep – you drastically cut down on cooking time. Imagine: a gourmet-quality dinner on the table in under 30 minutes! This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about flavor. The fresh ingredients, combined with the love poured into a home-cooked meal, yield a taste that consistently surpasses anything you’d find dining out. Say goodbye to mediocre pasta dinners and hello to your new favorite!
The Secret to Speed: Pre-Cooked Shredded Chicken
The cornerstone of this recipe’s lightning-fast preparation is the clever use of pre-cooked shredded chicken. This simple hack transforms a delicious meal into an effortless weeknight wonder. Whether you prepare a batch of shredded chicken at the beginning of the week for various recipes, use leftover roast chicken, or even opt for a store-bought rotisserie chicken, having this ingredient ready to go significantly reduces your time in the kitchen.
Pro-Tip: Making your own shredded chicken is incredibly easy and economical. It freezes beautifully, allowing you to have this versatile protein on hand whenever a quick meal craving strikes. Simply cook chicken breasts or thighs (poaching, baking, or slow-cooking work great), then shred them with two forks or a stand mixer. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
This approach isn’t just about saving time; it’s about minimizing effort without compromising on taste. The chicken easily absorbs the rich pesto cream sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, don’t worry! You can quickly dice and sauté some chicken breast or thighs while your pasta boils. Just make sure it’s cooked through before adding it to the sauce.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Pesto Pasta
Crafting this irresistible Chicken Pesto Pasta requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in building its balanced and satisfying flavor profile. Below, we’ll delve into each component, offering tips and potential substitutions to help you customize the dish to your liking. Remember to refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the end of this article for precise measurements and detailed instructions.
- Pasta: For a dish where every forkful captures maximum flavor, a short-cut pasta is ideal. Penne is a perennial favorite due to its ridges and hollow center, which perfectly trap the creamy pesto sauce. However, feel free to experiment with other shapes like farfalle (bow-tie), rotini, fusilli, or even orecchiette. The goal is a pasta shape that holds the sauce well, ensuring a delightful texture in every bite.
- Butter: Unsalted butter forms the rich base for our sauce, adding a depth of flavor that complements the garlic beautifully. For those preferring an alternative, good quality extra virgin olive oil can be used, though it will impart a slightly different, perhaps lighter, flavor profile. Some even use a combination for a nuanced taste.
- Garlic: This aromatic powerhouse is non-negotiable! Garlic infuses the butter with its distinctive warmth, laying a crucial foundation for the sauce. Always opt for freshly minced garlic over pre-minced jarred versions for the best, most potent flavor. Don’t rush this step; allowing the garlic to gently cook for a minute or two will unlock its full potential without burning it.
- Cream: To achieve that luxurious, velvety texture, heavy cream is highly recommended. It provides an indulgent richness that makes this dish truly comforting. If you’re looking to reduce the richness slightly without sacrificing too much creaminess, a combination of half evaporated milk and half cream can be a good compromise. Avoid using regular milk or low-fat milk, as they are prone to curdling when heated.
- Cheese: Parmesan cheese is the star here. Freshly grated Parmesan melts seamlessly into the sauce, creating a smooth, unctuous texture and imparting its signature salty, nutty flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting, potentially leaving a slightly gritty texture. If using pre-grated, you might need to return the pan to very low heat briefly to ensure it fully incorporates. Pecorino Romano could be an alternative for a sharper, saltier kick.
- Seasoning: A touch of Italian seasoning adds a harmonious blend of classic herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. This enhances the overall Mediterranean profile of the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste or omit it if your pesto is already very robust. Other fresh herbs like a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end can also brighten the flavors.
- Pesto: The heart of this pasta! Whether you choose vibrant homemade basil pesto or a high-quality store-bought variety, make sure it’s fresh and flavorful. Homemade pesto often offers a brighter, more intense flavor, especially if you have an abundance of fresh basil. However, many excellent store-bought brands can deliver fantastic results, making this dish even quicker. Look for brands with natural ingredients and a rich green color.
- Chicken: As mentioned, pre-cooked and shredded chicken is the preferred choice for convenience. Aim for about 8 ounces, which provides a good protein portion per serving. If you’re cooking chicken specifically for this recipe, dice it into bite-sized pieces and sauté until fully cooked before adding. This versatility makes the dish highly adaptable to your schedule.
- Crushed Red Pepper: For those who appreciate a hint of warmth and a gentle kick, crushed red pepper flakes are a fantastic optional addition. You can stir them directly into the pasta for an even distribution of heat or, for a customizable experience, offer them on the side, allowing each diner to add as much or as little as they desire.
Crafting Your Delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this flavorful Chicken Pesto Pasta is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps to bring a restaurant-quality meal to your table in no time. Precision in each step ensures a creamy, perfectly seasoned dish every time.
- Prepare the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season the water generously with salt – this is your only chance to flavor the pasta from within! Add your chosen short-cut pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Before draining, make sure to reserve about a mug full (approximately 1 cup) of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold is crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency later. Once reserved, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Infuse the Butter with Garlic: While your pasta is cooking, heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. The key here is to infuse the butter with the garlic’s fragrant essence without letting the garlic brown or burn, which can turn bitter.
- Build the Creamy Base: Turn the heat back up to medium. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine it with the garlic-infused butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the cream begins to visibly thicken. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Melt in the Cheese and Pesto: Remove the skillet from the heat. This is important to prevent the cheese from seizing or becoming oily. Add the finely grated Parmesan cheese in batches, whisking vigorously after each addition until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the cream sauce. Once the cheese is smooth, stir in the Italian seasoning and your prepared pesto. Mix until the sauce is uniform and beautifully green.
- Combine and Adjust Consistency: Add the cooked pasta and the pre-cooked shredded chicken directly into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring every strand of pasta and piece of chicken is coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce appears too thick or clings too much to the pasta, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency. The starch in the pasta water helps to emulsify and bind the sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve your delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta immediately. For an optional flourish and a touch of heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over individual servings before digging in. Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can also make for a beautiful and tasty garnish.
Chicken Pesto Pasta Quick Visual Guide
For those who prefer a visual demonstration, here’s a short video illustrating the simple steps to create this incredible pasta dish:
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Pesto Pasta
Even though this recipe is remarkably simple, a few expert tips can elevate your Chicken Pesto Pasta from great to absolutely extraordinary. These insights will help you achieve perfect results every time and make your cooking experience even smoother.
- The Golden Rule: Reserve Pasta Water! This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any pasta dish with a creamy sauce. Before draining your pasta, always scoop out at least a full mug or 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. Heavy cream sauces can become quite thick as they cool or absorb into the pasta. This starchy water is your secret weapon: it not only thins the sauce to the perfect consistency but also helps it cling beautifully to the pasta, creating a wonderfully cohesive dish. Don’t be afraid to add it gradually until you reach your desired texture.
- Making it Your Own: Customization Ideas:
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition and flavor with some vibrant vegetables. Sautéed cherry tomatoes, spinach (added at the very end to wilt), sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), or even steamed asparagus would be fantastic additions.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a more integrated warmth, or keep them on the side for individual preference.
- Extra Texture: For a delightful crunch, toast some pine nuts or walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant, then sprinkle them over the finished pasta. A dash of lemon zest can also brighten the flavors significantly.
- Storing Leftovers & Reheating: This pasta truly tastes fantastic the next day, making it an excellent meal prep option. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, whether in the microwave or on the stovetop, the sauce will likely have thickened. To revive its creamy texture, you’ll almost certainly need to add a splash of extra liquid. This is where any leftover reserved pasta water comes in handy – a small amount will loosen the sauce beautifully. If you don’t have pasta water, a little chicken broth or even a touch of milk or cream will work, though the pasta water is superior for emulsification. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: While simple, the quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final taste. Invest in good quality parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, and if using store-bought, a reputable pesto brand. The difference in flavor will be noticeable.
What to Serve Alongside Chicken Pesto Pasta
While this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is undeniably a satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a simple side dish can elevate your dinner experience, adding freshness, crunch, or another layer of indulgence. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complement its rich flavors:
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Consider a simple Steph’s Summer Salad or a Herbed Tomato Salad for vibrant flavors.
- Garlic Bread or Rolls: You can never go wrong with something to soak up every last drop of that delicious pesto cream sauce! Cheesy Garlic Bread or Easy Dinner Rolls are classic companions. Even Crescent Rolls with Cheese add a delightful, buttery touch.
- Steamed or Sautéed Vegetables: Balance the richness with a healthy portion of vegetables. Sautéed Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes offer a pop of color and freshness, or simply steamed broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini would be excellent choices.
Explore More Irresistible Pasta Creations
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and flavor of this Chicken Pesto Pasta, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delightful pasta recipes perfect for any occasion. From cheesy bakes to zesty seafood dishes, there’s a pasta creation waiting to become your next favorite!
- Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese
- Shrimp Pasta with Poblano Cream Sauce
- Tuscan Pasta with Sausage
- Baked Ravioli
- Easy Parmesan Pasta
- Baked Mac and Cheese
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Chicken Pesto Pasta
Deborah Harroun
15 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
4 servings
Main Dish
Italian
Pin
Time saving, yet indulgent, this Chicken Pesto Pasta uses cooked, shredded chicken to turn this into an easy weeknight meal. Balanced and satisfying, this will become your new go-to comfort food.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 oz parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup prepared pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 8 oz cooked shredded or cubed chicken
- Crushed red pepper (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt generously, then add the pasta. Cook until al dente. Before draining, save a mug full of the pasta water. Drain, and reserve the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Cook for a minute or two, stirring the whole time so that the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Turn the heat back up to medium and slowly whisk in the cream. Cook the mixture until the cream has slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the parmesan cheese. Whisk until the cheese has melted, then stir in the Italian seasoning and the pesto.
- Add the pasta to the sauce, along with the shredded chicken. Stir to combine. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Top with crushed red pepper before serving, if desired.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 911kcal (46%),
Carbohydrates: 48g (16%),
Protein: 32g (64%),
Fat: 68g (105%),
Saturated Fat: 31g (194%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 162mg (54%),
Sodium: 607mg (26%),
Fiber: 2g (8%),
Sugar: 3g (3%)
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