🍝 Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta – Viral Italian Dinner Recipe

🍝 Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta – Viral Italian Dinner Recipe

If you love creamy pasta dishes that taste like they came straight out of an Italian restaurant, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is for you. 🇮🇹💚 With tender chicken, silky sauce, and a touch of basil, this viral recipe is one of those quick meals that feels both comforting and gourmet.

🇮🇹 Why This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Is So Popular

Few pasta recipes can match the simplicity and elegance of a good Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta. The sauce is a perfect mix of fresh basil pesto, cream, and Parmesan cheese — creating that irresistible blend of richness and freshness that defines Italian comfort food. 🍃

It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy, tastes amazing, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just treating yourself, this pasta always delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

🍳 Ingredients That Make It Perfect

What makes this recipe so special is the balance between creamy and herby. The basil pesto brings color and aroma, while cream and Parmesan add depth and smoothness. Combined with juicy, golden-brown chicken, the result is pure Italian magic. ✨

If you want to learn more about pesto’s origins in Genoa, check out the Wikipedia article on Pesto. It’s a fascinating look at how this sauce became an international classic.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

The process is simple, and that’s what makes it such a viral hit online — quick, flavorful, and satisfying.

1️⃣ Cook the pasta:
Boil your favorite pasta (penne or spaghetti) until al dente. Save a small cup of pasta water before draining — it helps adjust the sauce later.

2️⃣ Cook the chicken:
Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then cook it in olive oil until golden brown. The slightly crispy edges add extra flavor.

3️⃣ Make the sauce:
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for a few seconds. Add cream, Parmesan, and pesto. Stir gently until it forms a thick, smooth sauce.

4️⃣ Combine everything:
Add the pasta and cooked chicken into the pan. Toss everything in the sauce until evenly coated. A splash of pasta water will make it extra silky.

5️⃣ Serve and garnish:
Top with fresh basil, grated Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness. 🍋

🧘‍♀️ Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time

• Use fresh basil pesto for best flavor — homemade is unbeatable.
• Add a pinch of red chili flakes if you want a spicy touch. 🌶️
• Don’t skip the pasta water — it makes the sauce glossy and creamy.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with mushrooms or zucchini.
• To reheat, add a spoonful of milk or cream to restore the texture.

This recipe also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or garlic bread. Try it alongside our Caprese Salad 🥗 or Authentic Italian Carbonara 🍳 for a full Italian dinner experience.

🌿 Healthier Swaps

If you want a lighter version of this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, here’s how:

• Use light cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
• Swap pasta with whole-grain penne or gluten-free pasta.
• Use grilled chicken breast for extra protein with fewer calories.

Despite being indulgent, this dish provides healthy fats from olive oil and pesto, plus protein from chicken and calcium from Parmesan — a perfect comfort meal that’s actually nourishing.

🍝 Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta – Viral Italian Dinner Recipe

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich basil pesto cream sauce for the ultimate Italian comfort food. 🇮🇹💚 It’s flavorful, creamy, and ready in just 25 minutes — the kind of recipe that goes viral for a reason! Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fancy date night meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 23 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 640

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 🍗 250 g chicken breast, cut into strips
• 🍝 200 g penne or spaghetti
• 🧈 20 g butter
• 🧄 1 garlic clove, minced
• 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
• 🌿 100 ml heavy cream
• 🧀 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 🌱 60 g basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 🫒 10 ml olive oil
• 🍋 1 tsp lemon juice (≈5 ml)
• 🌿 Fresh basil & extra Parmesan for garnish

Equipment

• 🍳 Non-stick skillet or pan
• 🥄 Wooden spoon or spatula
• 🍝 Large pot for pasta
• 🧄 Garlic press or small grater
• 🥣 Mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
   
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
   
3. Make the creamy pesto sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and pesto. Stir until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
   
4. Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly, adding a splash of pasta water if needed for consistency.
   
5. Serve and garnish: Top with fresh basil, grated Parmesan, and a few drops of lemon juice. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy Italian masterpiece! 🇮🇹🍽️
   

Notes

• Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor — homemade makes it even more aromatic.
• Swap chicken for shrimp or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Store leftovers in the fridge up to 2 days; reheat with a splash of cream or milk.

❤️ Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta keeps going viral — it’s the perfect mix of flavor, texture, and simplicity. 🍝💚 Every bite delivers that satisfying creamy feel with a burst of basil freshness, and the best part? It’s ready in under half an hour.

It’s a dish that brings the heart of Italy straight to your table — rustic, vibrant, and absolutely delicious. So next time you crave an Italian comfort meal, skip the restaurant and make it yourself. With this easy recipe, your kitchen is the trattoria. 🇮🇹✨