Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in Under 30 Minutes
A creamy, herb-packed pesto chicken pasta tossed with juicy chicken, parmesan, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for quick, flavorful dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt, pepper, garlic powder
1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
1/3 cup heavy cream or pasta water
1/4 cup grated parmesan
1 cup cherry tomatoes or spinach (optional)
Fresh basil and lemon juice for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Sauté chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In same pan, add pesto and cream. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Return chicken, add pasta, and toss to coat.
- Stir in parmesan and veggies if using.
- Garnish with basil and lemon juice. Serve warm.
Notes
Use shrimp, tofu, or roasted vegetables for variation. Adjust cream and water for desired sauce consistency.