Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

If Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta sounds like the kind of dinner that could rescue a chaotic Tuesday (or a “what’s-for-dinner” panic at 5:47 PM)… hi, you’re in the right kitchen. This is the meal I reach for when I want something that feels fancy—but I also want it to be easy, creamy, and basically guaranteed to make everyone wander into the kitchen like cartoon characters floating toward a smell.

It’s got tender chicken, pasta that soaks up every drop of sauce, and a cheesy golden top that whispers, “Go ahead… get seconds.”

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Weeknight-friendly: Simple steps, no culinary gymnastics.
• Comfort food vibes: Cream + pesto + Parmesan is a hug in a baking dish.
• Great for picky eaters: It’s creamy, cheesy, and not “too green” (even with spinach).
• Leftovers are magical: Somehow it tastes even better the next day—like it matured overnight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta so dreamy (and why each ingredient matters):

• Penne or rigatoni pasta – Those sturdy shapes hold sauce like champs and bake beautifully. (Bronze-cut pasta? Total upgrade if you spot it.)
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Quick-cooking, juicy, and easy. Cut into chunks so they brown faster.
• Olive oil – Helps the chicken get that golden edge and adds flavor.
• Salt + black pepper – Simple, but don’t skip. They wake up every flavor in the pan.
• Unsalted butter – Builds a rich base for the sauce.
• Garlic – Fresh cloves = bigger flavor, no weird jar taste.
• Heavy cream – Makes the sauce silky and luxurious.
• Whole milk – Keeps things creamy without feeling like you’re eating straight whipped cream (tempting, but no).
• Basil pesto – The star. Use homemade or a good store-bought one with real basil and Parmesan.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds that nutty, salty depth and melts into the sauce.
• Baby spinach (optional) – A sneaky little nutrition boost that wilts right in.
• Shredded mozzarella – For the bubbly golden “crown” on top.
• Extra Parmesan – Because we’re not here to be shy.

Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

1) Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 200°C / 400°F. Lightly grease your baking dish.
This tiny step prevents sticking and helps that cheesy top get beautifully golden—like the dinner version of a perfect tan.

2) Cook the pasta (but not all the way)

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook it 2 minutes less than the package says.
You want it slightly under al dente because it’ll finish cooking in the oven and soak up that sauce like it pays rent.

Drain and set aside.

3) Brown the chicken

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Add chicken in a single layer and let it sauté without stirring for a couple minutes so it gets that golden edge. Then stir and cook until the pieces are just cooked through.

Remove chicken and set aside.

4) Start the creamy pesto sauce

In the same pan (don’t you dare wash it—those browned bits are flavor gold), melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Watch it closely—garlic burns faster than my patience when someone asks “what’s for dinner?” while I’m still cooking.

5) Simmer the cream and milk

Pour in heavy cream and whole milk. Use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom.

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

6) Add pesto and Parmesan

Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan until smooth and melted. Taste, then adjust salt and pepper.

At this point, the sauce smells like an Italian restaurant… and you are the chef.

7) Combine pasta, chicken, and spinach

Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the pan. Toss until everything is coated in sauce.

If using baby spinach, stir it in now. It’ll wilt quickly from the heat and disappear into the creaminess (which is exactly how you convince your family to eat greens without a PowerPoint presentation).

8) Assemble the bake

Transfer everything into your greased baking dish. Spread evenly.

Top with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
This is the part where I usually “accidentally” add more cheese. Oops. My hand slipped.

9) Bake until bubbly

Bake on the center rack for 20–25 minutes, until browned and bubbling. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving so it scoops neatly.

Aneta’s Little Kitchen Story

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta became one of my go-to “company dinners” after I made it on a busy evening and realized it looked like I tried way harder than I did. The moment it came out of the oven—bubbly, cheesy, smelling like basil and garlic—my family appeared like magic. Like… real magic. I didn’t even have to call anyone to the table. That’s when you know a recipe is a keeper.

Tips for the Best Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Undercook the pasta: Those 2 minutes matter. Overcooked pasta + baking = mushy sadness.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook it just until done. It’ll stay juicy during baking.
• Use good pesto: If your pesto tastes “meh” straight from the jar, the dish won’t shine as much. Look for one with basil, olive oil, and real Parmesan.
• Sauce too thick? Add a splash of milk before baking.
• Sauce too thin? Simmer 1–2 extra minutes before mixing in pasta.
• Cheese browning too fast? Loosely tent foil on top for the last few minutes.

And if your sauce looks a little weird for a second when you add the cheese—don’t panic. Stir gently. It’s all part of the magic.

FAQs About Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Let’s Make Dinner Feel Like a Win

If your week needs something comforting, cheesy, and guaranteed to get smiles at the table, Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is the answer. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like you’ve got your life together—even if the laundry pile says otherwise.

Make it once, and I promise you’ll be thinking, “Okay… why don’t I make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta every week?” Happy cooking!

More Creamy Comfort Ideas for Your Next Dinner

If this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta just earned a spot in your “save this forever” dinner lineup, don’t stop here—your next cozy craving is already waiting. Here are a few reader-favorite recipes that bring the same creamy, comfort-food happiness (with minimal effort and maximum “wow”):

• Bubbly Pesto Chicken Bake with Golden Cheese — If you loved the pesto + melty top situation, this one is basically its cheesy cousin.
• Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken — Same herby goodness, but with a crunchy chicken moment that feels restaurant-level.
• Creamy Boursin Chicken Pasta That’s Pure Comfort — When you’re in the mood for extra creamy, extra cozy, and “just one more bite.”
• Cozy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup for Comfort Nights — Perfect when you want that warm, creamy flavor… but in spoon form.

If you try this recipe (or any of these!), I’d love to hear what you think—scroll down and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Your stars and comments help other home cooks find their next favorite dinner!

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