Easy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe – This creamy pesto chicken pasta is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a fancier occasion. Cook pasta, sear the chicken breasts in a skillet, make the creamy pesto sauce and assemble with the roasted tomatoes – it’s a matter of 30 minutes from start to finish. Easy, and you’ll love the flavors! This easy chicken pasta dinner recipe is a crowd pleaser and reheats very well the day after. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients list for the easy pesto chicken pasta recipe
- Creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe
- Directions
- Tips for the creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe
- What type of pasta should I use?
- Can we make pesto chicken pasta with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- How to keep creamy pesto chicken pasta leftovers
- More chicken pasta recipes
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Ingredients list for the easy pesto chicken pasta recipe
- 4 medium chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (bow-tie, penne, or fusilli)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 10oz grape tomatoes
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt + black pepper
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, optional
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe
This creamy pesto chicken pasta with roasted tomatoes is just the kind of weeknight dinner that will have everyone singing your praises at home. Toss pasta and grilled chicken in a rich, flavorful, creamy pesto sauce with juicy roasted tomatoes. You’ll love the herby, garlicky goodness of this simple chicken pasta dish. Creamy pesto chicken pasta makes great leftovers the next day because the chunky sauce has the time to infuse the pasta with its awesome flavor!
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
1. To make the creamy pesto chicken pasta: Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Toss cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Spread the grape tomatoes in one layer. Roast the tomatoes for about 20 minutes until blistered while preparing the chicken.
2. Season the chicken breasts on all sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat and cook chicken breasts until browned on the edges and cooked through – about 5 minutes on each side. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, cook onion until slightly caramelized, adding a little oil if necessary. Add garlic to the onion and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Add pesto and give it a quick stir to combine with the onion. Then pour in the whipping cream, stir gently and bring to simmer.
6. Add the cooked pasta and roasted tomatoes to the skillet and reheat for a couple of minutes. Add the cooked chicken on top, then toss it into the pasta. Serve the creamy pesto chicken pasta immediately. Enjoy! ❤️
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Tips for the creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe
Here are a few tips to make this creamy pesto chicken pasta even better:
- Make sure to bring chicken breasts to room temperature before cooking. 10 minutes on the counter while you prepare the other ingredients should be enough. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
- If your chicken breasts are large and thick, slice them horizontally to make cutlets. They’ll cook quicker!
- Make your basil pesto if you have extra time! Homemade pesto is easy and quick to make and can be easily stored in mason jars for future meals.
- Toasted pine nuts add extra flavor and texture to this easy chicken recipe.
- We like to add a drizzle of hot sauce like Sriracha to the creamy pesto sauce for a kick of spice!
What type of pasta should I use?
We used farfalle (bowtie) pasta, but rotini or penne would also work well because they will better hold the thick creamy pesto sauce.
Can we make pesto chicken pasta with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, but keep in mind chicken thighs have more fat than chicken breasts. You might want to use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for the best results.
How to keep creamy pesto chicken pasta leftovers
This pesto chicken pasta recipe reheats very well the next day! You can keep the pesto chicken leftovers for 3 days in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Reheat the chicken pasta on medium-low heat in a covered saucepan with a few drops of water to loosen the sauce.
More chicken pasta recipes
- Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta
- Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
