Chicken Pesto Pasta

Sharing is caring!

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish, this Chicken Pesto Pasta is the perfect recipe. Combining tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fettuccine pasta with a rich and creamy pesto sauce, this dish delivers bold Italian flavors in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this chicken pesto pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Pesto sauce, made from fresh basil, Parmesan, and olive oil, adds a vibrant and nutty flavor, perfectly complementing the garlicky, creamy base. The addition of savory Italian seasoning, a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, and rich Parmesan cheese takes the dish to a whole new level. Serve this pasta with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

This guide will walk you through every step of making chicken pesto pasta, along with tips, variations, and storage instructions. Let’s dive in and make a dish you’ll crave again and again!

Why You Will Love This Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast.
• Rich & Creamy: The combination of creamy pesto, Parmesan cheese, and garlic creates a velvety, indulgent sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Protein-Packed & Satisfying: With tender, juicy chicken and a generous serving of pasta, this dish is filling and packed with protein (41g per serving).
• Versatile & Customizable: Swap the chicken for shrimp, add sun-dried tomatoes, or throw in some spinach for an extra nutritional boost.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dish is rich in bold Italian flavors and tastes just like something you’d order at your favorite Italian restaurant.
• Pairs Well with Everything: Serve with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Make-Ahead & Meal-Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste just as good the next day, making this an ideal recipe for meal prep.

Once you try this chicken pesto pasta, it will surely become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive!

Ingredients for Chicken Pesto Pasta

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 2 tbsp butter (divided)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders (cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 10 oz white mushrooms (thickly sliced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Creamy Pesto Sauce:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (thyme, oregano, basil)
• ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 cup sodium-free chicken broth
• ½ cup (4 oz) basil pesto
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• ½ tsp salt
• Chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

Pasta:

• 10 oz fettuccine pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4 minutes on one side.
3. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. (Cook in two batches if needed.)

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes.
3. Flip the mushrooms and cook for 1-2 more minutes until browned.
4. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce

1. Using the same skillet, sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
2. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.
3. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
4. Add the basil pesto and mix well.
5. Reduce the heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain but do not rinse.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy pesto sauce.
2. Add the cooked chicken and mushrooms, stirring to coat everything evenly.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
5. Serve hot with garlic bread and a side salad.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

1. Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Add 2 cups of fresh spinach to the sauce at the end for a boost of greens.

2. Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Substitute chicken with 1 pound of shrimp, cooking them for 2-3 minutes per side.

3. Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.

4. Extra Creamy Pesto Pasta

Use ¾ cup of heavy cream instead of chicken broth for a richer texture.

5. Low-Carb/Keto Option

Swap the fettuccine for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Store the sauce separately for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of pasta works best with pesto?

Fettuccine, penne, or rotini work best because they hold the sauce well.

2. Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes! Use a high-quality basil pesto for the best flavor.

3. How do I make it less spicy?

Skip the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.

4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great—just stir it in at the end.

5. How can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Mushroom Pasta with Creamy Pesto Sauce is a must-try recipe for pasta lovers. The creamy, garlicky sauce paired with juicy chicken and mushrooms makes this dish truly irresistible. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend meal, this recipe will never disappoint.

So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a bowl of comfort and flavor. Try this recipe today and let us know how it turns out!

Print