This creamy pesto pasta is perfect for any busy weeknight dinner. The chicken is sautéed in fresh garlic then tossed in a rich and flavorful basil pesto sauce mixed with Parmesan cheese. A delicious meal, this chicken pesto pasta recipe is ready in 35 minutes!
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We love all things pasta at my house and this is our new family favorite. We eat pasta at least once a week, everything from this spaghetti sauce recipe, to a delicious spinach and mushroom lasagna with white sauce, and this easy to make basil alfredo chicken pasta. But my kid's all time favorite is pesto pasta. And this chicken pesto pasta recipe is a huge hit! It's super quick to make and incredibly versatile allowing you to switch up the protein and vegetables. You're going to love this easy dinner recipe and it's great for lunch the next day!
Ingredients You'll Need
The ingredients I use to make this chicken pesto pasta recipe are simple and fresh. I typically buy chicken breasts and cut them into 1-inch cubes. I sauté the chicken in olive oil and fresh garlic for enhanced flavor. If you have a flavored olive oil, definately use it as it will provide even more robust flavor.
The julienned carrots sautéd in butter really add to the flavor of this chicken pesto pasta. Tossed in a light pesto sauce (that can be homemade or store bought) and then mixed with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, we're talking unbelievable flavor like you've never tasted!
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
Start by thinly slicing the unpeeled carrots into matchsticks. Rinse and set aside.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
While the pasta is cooking, melt 1 Tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the thinly sliced carrots to the skillet with the melted butter and sauté for 7-10 minutes or until the carrots become slightly al dente and tender. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
When sautéing the carrots, you want to trigger the Maillard reaction. I explain what that is in my smoked beef short ribs recipe but it's a natural chemical reaction that can occur when cooking that delivers an amazing amount of flavor. While you will experience a bit of browning in your pan, ensure the burner is on medium heat so no charring or burning occurs.
Using the same skillet, add the olive oil and allow it to get hot. Add the minced garlic and saute for for 1-2 minutes.
Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper and add to the skillet. Cook until done, about 7-10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
When the pasta has finished cooking, drain and return the cooked pasta and 1 Tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
Add the pesto sauce, shredded parmesan cheese, sauteed carrots, and chicken to the large skillet with the pasta and toss to combine.
Divide this chicken pesto pasta recipe among four plates. Garnish with fresh sliced basil. Serve immediately while it's still hot. It's perfect for busy weeknights and you are going to love every bite!
Variations
You can make your own homemade pesto sauce or use a store bought pesto. Use shrimp instead of chicken to switch up the protein source. Rotisserie chicken also works well. Or skip the protein all together and go vegetarian! I also love adding in sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, and asparagus. The options are truly endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any short pasta noodle goes well with this chicken pesto pasta recipe. I've used penne and rotini and they both work well. I used gemelli pasta in this recipe. You can also use gluten free pasta or high fiber pasta with this recipe.
Traditional pesto sauce is made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. But pesto sauce is incredibly versatile. My tarragon pesto sauce in this pasta recipe is amazingly flavorful and easy to make. This walnut pesto is also extremely tasty and easy to make.
Expert Tips
- Grate your own Parmesan cheese. Leave the Parmesan cheese block at room temperature for 30-45 minutes so it's easier to grate.
- There are a lot of nutrients in the peelings of the carrots so don't peel the carrots before you slice them.
- If you have a flavored olive oil, definately use it when sautéing the chicken. It will subtly enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- If the chicken is drying out too fast while sautéing, put the lid on the skillet. This will trap in the moisture and ensure the chicken doesn't dry out before it's done cooking.
More Pesto Recipes
I can never get enough of pesto based recipes and I love making my own homemade pesto. Some of my favorites include these pesto chicken thighs which are made in the slow cooker and are done in 3-4 hours. Serve these over rice or pasta. And these chickpea lettuce wraps are tossed in a flavorful pesto sauce and are great for a vegetarian snack!
You need to try making my pasta recipe creations because they are unforgettable and full of intense flavor. From butter garlic sauce to alfredo pasta recipes, you are guaranteed to find several dishes you are going to love!
Follow Recipes Worth Repeating for more amazing recipes!
Quick & Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots, unpeeled and thinly sliced
- 9 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
- ¼ cup pesto sauce, homemade or store bought
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- sliced fresh basil
Instructions
- Start by thinly slicing the unpeeled carrots into matchsticks. Rinse and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt 1 Tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a large skillet.
- Add the thinly sliced carrots to the skillet with the melted butter and saute for 7-10 minutes or until the carrots become slightly caramelized and tender. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Using the same skillet, add the olive oil and allow it to get hot. Add the minced garlic and saute for for 1-2 minutes.
- Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper and add to the skillet. Cook until done, about 7-10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- When the pasta has finished cooking, drain and return the cooked pasta and 1 Tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
- Add the pesto sauce, shredded parmesan cheese, sauteed carrots, and chicken to the large skillet with the pasta and toss to combine.
- Divide the pasta among four plates. Garnish with fresh sliced basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Grate your own Parmesan cheese. Leave the Parmesan cheese block at room temperature for 30-45 minutes so it's easier to grate.
- There are a lot of nutrients in the peelings of the carrots so don't peel the carrots before you slice them.
- If you have a flavored olive oil, definately use it when sautéing the chicken. It will subtly enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- When sautéing the carrots, you want to trigger the Maillard reaction. I explain what that is in my smoked beef short ribs recipe but it's a natural chemical reaction that can occur when cooking that delivers an amazing amount of flavor. While you will experience a bit of browning in your pan, ensure the burner is on medium heat so no charring or burning occurs.
- If the chicken is drying out too fast while sautéing, put the lid on the skillet. This will trap in the moisture and ensure the chicken doesn't dry out before it's done cooking.
Liz
I love chicken pesto! I also love that your recipe seems pretty quick and easy! Perfect for a weekday meal!
Amanda Mason
Yes, it is very quick and easy!! You'll love it for dinner!!!
Bernice
This is what it's all about right here. Quick and easy one pot pastas for dinner that use up 'everything' in the fridge. And, you're right...it is awesome as leftovers the next day, too.
Amanda Mason
Yep - lots of variations you can add! It is so good the next day!!
Marta
I loved how easy this chicken with parm noodles came together for dinner tonight. That basil pesto sauce was so on point!
Amanda Mason
Oh nice! I'm so glad to hear this!!! Glad your dinner was a success!
Kayla DiMaggio
Loving this chicken pesto pasta! It was so delicious and easy to make! Total winner!
Amanda Mason
Yeah! So glad to hear this, Kayla!!
Kathryn
Yummm! This sounds so good and easy for dinner any night!
Amanda Mason
Let me know when you try it! I can't wait to hear what you think!
Lauren Michael Harris
I had some pesto in the fridge to use up and knew I wanted to make some kind of pasta with it. Found this recipe and it did not disappoint. I loved the extra Parmesan in it too!
Amanda Mason
Yeah!! Love hearing this! Yes - the added Parmesan really enhances the flavor and take it to a whole new level! Glad you enjoyed it!
Veronika Sykorova
You can never go wrong with pesto pasta! The carrots were an interesting addition but they went really well with the rest of the dish and even my boyfriend who's not a huge fan of carrots really enjoyed it!
Amanda Mason
So glad to hear this, Veronika!! The carrots add a nice subtle flavor, for sure!
Amita
My daughter loves Chicken. i made this the other night and turned out to be total winner. Will be making it again for sure.
Amanda Mason
Hi Amita!! I'm SO glad she loved it so much!! Definitely glad to hear that you are going to add this one to your dinner menu rotation!
Ramona
I haven't made pasta in quite some time and I can't wait to try out this recipe! Thank you for sharing this!
Amanda Mason
I can't wait to hear how it turns out for you, Ramona!!
Heidy
This recipe was delicious! I loved all the flavors. I can't wait to make it again. It was so good!
I am looking forward to checking out some of your other recipes on your blog!
Amanda Mason
So glad to hear this, Heidi!! It's such an easy one to make, too!!