Name: Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound or 450g); Salt (to taste); Pepper (to taste); 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving something that hits every note — bright, savory, comforting, and a touch indulgent — this Chicken Pesto Pasta is absolutely what you need. Imagine juicy slices of golden chicken mingling with ribbons of pasta, all wrapped up in a vibrant basil pesto sauce and studded with sweet cherry tomatoes. It’s a weeknight hero you’ll want to keep on repeat, bringing a little Italian sunshine to your table with every bite. Prepare for a dish that’s as impressive as it is easy!

Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Pesto Pasta keeps things refreshingly simple, relying on a handful of key ingredients that each make this dish shine. From the nutty Parmesan to the aromatic pesto, every item brings its own charm, color, and incredible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few helpful notes for the absolute best results.

Pasta (12 oz fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite pasta shape — fettuccine coats beautifully with pesto, while penne scoops up every bit of sauce.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): This helps the chicken get that irresistible golden sear and lends a fruity note to the dish.
Chicken Breasts (2 boneless, skinless): About 1 pound; slice them thinly after cooking for the perfect bite.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the pasta water, making every component delicious.
Basil Pesto (1 cup): Whether you go homemade or use a high-quality store-bought option, this is the heart of your Chicken Pesto Pasta.
Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Their juicy pop and sweetness brighten up the whole dish.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Brings everything together with a salty, nutty finish.
Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnish, optional): Scatter over the top for an extra burst of color and flavor.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by filling your largest pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Season generously with salt — think of it like seasoning broth for the pasta. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Before draining, remember to scoop out about half a cup of pasta water; this liquid gold will turn your sauce silky later!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While your pasta is bubbling away, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken breasts dry, and give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil shimmers, lay the chicken in the skillet. Sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until they’re deeply golden and cooked through (internal temperature should read 165°F or 75°C). Set them aside to rest so every bite stays juicy.

Step 3: Sauté the Tomatoes

In the same skillet, toss in your halved cherry tomatoes. Let them sizzle in the flavorful drippings for 2-3 minutes, just until they soften and release a bit of juice. Their sweetness will cut beautifully through the herby pesto.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Reduce the heat to low and add your cooked pasta to the skillet, right on top of the tomatoes. Spoon in the basil pesto and pour over the reserved pasta water. Now toss everything — use tongs for the best mixing. Every strand or piece should be gleaming and coated with the bright, herby sauce.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Finish

Slice your rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and arrange over your vibrant pasta. Scatter the grated Parmesan on top and, if you’re feeling fancy, tuck in a few fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and watch the smiles appear!

How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pasta

Garnishes

A shower of grated Parmesan is always welcome, but a handful of torn fresh basil really amps up the freshness. For added texture, you could sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the finished Chicken Pesto Pasta. Even a little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving can make everything glisten and taste extra luxurious.

Side Dishes

Pair this vibrant pasta with a simple arugula salad, tossed in lemon and olive oil for a peppery contrast. Garlic bread or a rustic slice of sourdough is great for sopping up any leftover pesto. For something heartier, roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers complement the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving individual portions in shallow bowls with a nest of pasta twirled in the center and the chicken artistically fanned over top. Or, for a family-style approach, pile everything onto a big platter and let everyone dig in. You can even tuck the Chicken Pesto Pasta into warm wraps or spoon leftovers over a bed of greens for an effortless lunch the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Pesto Pasta makes fabulous leftovers! Transfer any extra pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, so lunch the next day is a real treat.

Freezing

While pesto sauces are always best fresh, you can freeze Chicken Pesto Pasta if you need to. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. For optimal texture, freeze the chicken and pasta together but hold off on the cherry tomatoes if possible, as they can lose their pop when thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, place your pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring often until hot — this keeps everything creamy instead of dry. The microwave works too, but stir halfway through and add a touch of water if needed.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for Chicken Pesto Pasta?

Absolutely! High-quality store-bought pesto works beautifully and saves a ton of time. If you have a couple extra minutes and feel up for a little kitchen adventure, homemade pesto does make the taste extra vibrant.

What pasta shapes work best with pesto?

You can use almost any shape, but fettuccine, penne, or even fusilli are especially good at holding onto that luscious sauce. The key is choosing something with enough surface area to catch all the flavors!

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, simply choose a dairy-free pesto and swap the Parmesan for a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or your favorite plant-based cheese. The Chicken Pesto Pasta will still be full of punchy, herbaceous flavor.

Can I add extra veggies to this recipe?

Definitely! Wilt in some fresh spinach, sauté zucchini with the tomatoes, or toss in roasted red peppers. The recipe is super versatile, and added veggies make it a complete one-bowl meal.

What can I use instead of chicken?

If you’d like a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for extra protein. You could also substitute shrimp for a seafood twist — it’s delicious with the basil pesto.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in search of a meal that feels like a warm, happy hug — but won’t keep you in the kitchen all night — Chicken Pesto Pasta is pure magic. With its perfect mix of fresh, simple ingredients and bold, crowd-pleasing flavors, it truly is a dinner you’ll want to come back to again and again. Give it a try and see for yourself how quickly it disappears from your table!