Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Name: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces Spaghetti Noodles (or preferred pasta); 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (or 1 pound chicken cutlets); 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for cooking); Salt and pepper (for seasoning); 1/2 large Onion (thinly sliced); 1 cup Chicken Broth; 1 cup Milk (or other dairy); 2 cups Whole Cherry Tomatoes; 2 teaspoons Cornstarch (or 1 teaspoon arrowroot); 1/4 cup Pesto; Sea Salt and Black Pepper (to taste); Optional: Fresh Basil or Parsley, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Red Chili Flakes.

5 from 2 votes

Total 30

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Chicken pesto pasta is a family favorite recipe made with lean chicken, tomatoes, creamy pesto sauce, and tender pasta in only 30 minutes!

Try my baked chicken shawarma recipe next!

Creamy chicken pesto pasta in white bowl with fork and spoon.

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Table of Contents hide

1) Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

2) Ingredients You’ll Need

3) How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

8) Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Easy: Simple preparation with easy steps, perfect for every home cook.
Fast: Ready in 30 minutes—ideal for busy nights.
Cozy: Chicken, pesto, pasta, and tomatoes are the ultimate comfort meal the whole family loves.
Simple: Uses common ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spaghetti noodles - I love twirling up creamy pesto-coated noodles, but pesto is good on any pasta, so use your favorite.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil - You need this to sauté the chicken and onions. It also adds peppery flavor and richness to your dish.
Chicken breasts - The star protein that’s lean, juicy, and flavorful.
Salt and pepper - Simple but essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce to perfection.
Onion - Adds a sweet, savory depth to the sauce that you’ll love.
Chicken broth - This helps form the base of the sauce and adds delicious chicken flavor.
Milk - Adds that creamy touch that makes the sauce so comforting.
Cherry tomatoes - I love how they burst in the sauce, adding fresh, sweet juices. Any tomatoes can be used for this recipe.
Cornstarch - This helps thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect consistency.
Pesto - The bold flavor really makes this dish stand out. Use your favorite store-bought pesto, or make my homemade basil walnut pesto or arugula pesto.
Optional - Fresh basil or parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

This is the recipe instruction overview. You’ll find the full printable recipe below.

Cook spaghetti noodles and drain.
Sauté the seasoned chicken in olive oil, then set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the onions until tender. Deglaze with the broth, then add the remaining broth, milk, and cherry tomatoes. Simmer to thicken.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
Add pesto and the cooked chicken to the sauce.
Simmer to heat everything through. Season to taste, serve over pasta, garnish, and devour.

Golden brown chicken breast cutlets searing in white skillet.

Golden brown sliced onions in white skillet.

Cherry tomatoes, browned onions, and cream sauce in white skillet.

This is what you end up with – a delicious, comforting, creamy pesto sauce.

Chicken breast and cherry tomatoes in creamy pesto sauce in white skillet with serving spoon.

Time to spoon it over your favorite pasta and devour!

Recipe tips

You can use any pasta for this recipe. Follow the package instructions for cooking.
Don't bother cutting cherry tomatoes for this recipe. They'll naturally burst as they cook. If using larger tomatoes, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Slice the chicken as evenly as possible to ensure even cooking.
When simmering the sauce, keep the heat low to prevent boiling. This prevents separation and ensures a creamy consistency.
Use any pesto for this recipe and adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Recipe variations

Substitute the pasta with your favorite low-carb option, such as cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Substitute the milk with any cooking liquid, including plant-based milk, half and half, heavy cream, or chicken broth.
You can add a rich, caramelized flavor by using roasted cherry tomatoes or cherry tomato confit instead of fresh tomatoes, but add them at the end of the cook cycle since they're already cooked.
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Serving Ideas

Serve with a side of soft French bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Pair with a simple green salad or cucumber tomato salad for a whole meal.
Add air fryer mushrooms or roasted mushrooms for the perfect topping.

📖 Recipe

Can I use store-bought pesto, or should I make my own?

Store-bought pesto is a time-saver, while homemade pesto is a money-saver. It's a win either way!

How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon without running off quickly. If it seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add more cornstarch slurry.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can substitute vegetable broth or even water, though the flavor will be less rich. Adding a bit of extra seasoning can help.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Be sure not to overcook the chicken. Cooking it just until it's golden and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F ensures it stays juicy.

Can I use any meat other than chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, seafood, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You'll need to adjust the sauté time accordingly.

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