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Final bowl of Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta served with fresh basil and grated Parmesan on top, bright and creamy Italian dinner.

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.
Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
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.
    Pasta boiling in salted water with steam rising, the first step in making Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta.
  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.
    Golden brown chicken strips cooking in olive oil for Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, shown in a non-stick skillet under warm natural light.
  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.
    Butter, garlic, cream, Parmesan, and basil pesto blending together into a smooth sauce for Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta.
  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!
    Final bowl of Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta served with fresh basil and grated Parmesan on top, bright and creamy Italian dinner.

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.