Looking for a quick dinner that’s delicious, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes? This easy chicken pesto pasta recipe is your new best friend. Juicy bites of chicken tossed in creamy pesto sauce with your favorite pasta — it’s a simple but flavor-packed meal that hits the spot every time.
Whether you’re a weeknight warrior or cooking for guests on short notice, this recipe is a reliable go-to.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well)
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili flakes. Add to skillet and cook until golden and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
- Lower the heat and stir in the pesto and cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Serve immediately with grated Parmesan and fresh basil on top.
FAQs Answered
1. How to make chicken pesto pasta easy?
Start by using store-bought pesto and pre-cooked or leftover chicken. Cook everything in one skillet — less cleanup, more flavor.
2. Do you put pesto on chicken before or after cooking?
Always add pesto after cooking the chicken. Pesto burns quickly on high heat and tastes best when added at the end.
3. How to make quick pesto pasta?
Use pasta that cooks in under 10 minutes, jarred pesto, and a protein like rotisserie chicken. You’ll be done in 15 minutes flat.
4. What to add to pasta with pesto?
You can add sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, spinach, grilled zucchini, mushrooms, or even roasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Creamy Chicken Pasta Without Cream
- Low FODMAP Chicken Recipes
- Mexican Chicken Breast Recipes
- Chicken Rice in Rice Cooker Recipes
Pro Tips
Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half & half for a lighter version.
Want it cheesier? Stir in some cream cheese or shredded mozzarella.