Print

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

creamy pesto chicken pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe featuring tender grilled chicken and a rich, herbaceous pesto cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for marinating and grilling)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne work great)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (can swap for half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) homemade or store-bought basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to adjust seasoning)
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese, whisking to combine into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick.
  6. Add Grilled Chicken: Gently fold sliced grilled chicken into the pasta. Heat everything together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Serve: Plate the creamy pesto chicken pasta and sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce separates or looks grainy, lower heat and whisk vigorously. Adding pasta water gradually helps keep sauce silky. Always rest grilled chicken for juicy results. Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cream alternatives for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pesto chicken pasta, grilled chicken pasta, easy pasta dinner, homemade pesto pasta, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta sauce

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-grilled-chicken-dinner/