Easy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Some nights I crave pasta that feels a little fancy but still comes together in under 30 minutes. That’s when this Pesto Chicken Pasta saves the day. The creamy, herby pesto clings to the pasta and juicy chicken, making every bite taste like comfort in a bowl. If you love trying different pasta ideas, you’ll find plenty in my Pasta Recipes collection.

This dish has become one of my weeknight staples, right up there with my Instant Pot Spaghetti. It’s family-friendly, flavorful, and so easy to adapt depending on what’s in the fridge.

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What You’ll Need

Here’s what I usually grab from my kitchen when making pesto chicken pasta:

• Pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work best)
• Chicken breast or thighs (I like thighs for extra juiciness)
• Basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• Garlic (I always use fresh — it makes a difference)
• Parmesan cheese (for that nutty finish)
• Olive oil
• Salt & pepper

You don’t need fancy tools, just a good skillet and a pot for boiling pasta. When I’m in the mood for a fuss-free pasta night, I sometimes turn to my Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs instead — but this pasta is faster!

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Step-by-Step Guide to Pesto Chicken Pasta

Making this recipe is simple, but I’ll walk you through each step so it turns out perfect every time. If you enjoy pasta shortcuts, you might also like my Pressure Cooker Pasta — another time-saver.

Step 1 — Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. I always taste a piece before draining to make sure it’s just right.

Step 2 — Cook the chicken

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked. Don’t overcrowd the pan — that’s the secret to getting a nice sear.

Step 3 — Add garlic

Toss in minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds. Garlic burns fast, so I stir continuously here.

Step 4 — Combine with pasta

Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water. Add pasta to the skillet with chicken and garlic. Stir in pesto and splash in some pasta water to loosen things up.

Step 5 — Finish with cheese

Top everything with freshly grated Parmesan. I like to add a little extra at the table for cheese lovers in my family.

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Pro Tips & Easy Swaps

• Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
• Swap in whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
• Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for color and freshness.
• Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
• Store-bought pesto works fine, but homemade really pops.
• Save some pasta water — it helps create a silky sauce.
• Toasted pine nuts on top add crunch.
• For creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream.

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Serving Ideas & Variations

This dish is delicious as is, but I love playing around with it. Serve it with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted veggies. For variations:

• Pesto shrimp pasta
• Pesto veggie pasta (zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms)
• Creamy pesto chicken pasta (with cream)
• Baked pesto pasta casserole
• Pesto pasta salad (served cold)
• Gluten-free version with chickpea pasta

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Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• Overcooking pasta → Always taste-test before draining.
• Dry sauce → Add reserved pasta water to keep it saucy.
• Burnt garlic → Cook garlic quickly on medium heat.
• Clumpy pesto → Toss pasta while still warm so pesto spreads evenly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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You’ll Also Love

If you enjoy this Pesto Chicken Pasta, you might also like:

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta — buttery, garlicky goodness with shrimp.
• Vegetarian Lasagna — a hearty, veggie-packed classic.
• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese — creamy and kid-approved comfort food.

And don’t forget to explore more comforting meals in my Pasta Recipes collection.