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    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    Quick & Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

    Published: Mar 24, 2022 by Amanda Mason · 20 Comments

    Yield 5 people
    Cook 20 minutes minutes
    Prep 15 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe
    Close-up of two white bowls of rotini pesto pasta with chicken.
    Closeup of a plate of pesto pasta with chicken.
    Closeup of a plate of pesto pasta with chicken.
    Closeup of a plate of pesto pasta with chicken.

    This creamy pesto pasta is perfect for any busy weeknight dinner. The chicken is sautéed in fresh garlic and 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!

    Close up of chicken pesto pasta in a skillet.
    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Quick Recipe Overview
    • ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works
    • 🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
    • 📋 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🙋🏼 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 💭 Expert Tips
    • 🌿 More Pesto Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

    ✔️ Quick Recipe Overview

    Why This Is The Best Pesto Pasta Recipe: This pasta is packed with protein, has a light pesto taste, and is full of robust flavor when combined with the sautéd julienne carrots, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

    How Long It Takes: 35 minutes

    Equipment You'll Need: large skillet, large pot


    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 or this spinach pasta 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!

    Parmesan cheese topped pasta with carrots, chicken, and basil in a skillet.

    ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works

    1. Easy - this pasta recipe is no-fuss! It's both quick and easy to prepare.

    2. Versatile - I love adding additional vegetables like broccoli and asparagus. You can also switch up the proteins or make this a meatless meal!

    3. Great for leftovers - this creamy chicken pesto pasta stores really well, reheats easily, and tastes just as good 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 flavored olive oil, definitely use it as it will provide an 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!

    pasta, diced raw chicken, pesto sauce,, and other ingredients on a counter to make parmesan pasta.

    📋 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

    Start by thinly slicing the unpeeled carrots into matchsticks. Rinse and set aside.

    Knife and sliced matchstick carrots on a counter.

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.

    Large pot of boiling water.

    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.

    collage of pictures showing how to saute thin sliced carrots.

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    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 1-2 minutes.

    Minced garlic and olive oil in a skillet.

    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.

    Collage of pictures showing how to saute chicken in a skillet.

    When the pasta has finished cooking, drain and return the cooked pasta and 1 Tablespoon of butter to the skillet.

    Cooked pasta and butter in a skillet.

    Add the pesto sauce, shredded parmesan cheese, sauteed carrots, and chicken to the large skillet with the pasta and toss to combine.

    Pasta, chicken, carrots,, parmesan cheese, and pesto sauce in a skillet.

    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!

    Two bowls filled with pesto and chicken pasta.

    📖 Variations

    You can make your own homemade pesto sauce or use store-bought pesto. Use shrimp instead of chicken to switch up the protein source. Rotisserie chicken also works well. Or skip the protein altogether and go vegetarian! I also love adding sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, and asparagus. The options are truly endless.

    🙋🏼 Frequently Asked Questions

    What kind of pasta does pesto go with?

    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.

    What is pesto made of?

    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.

    Skillet filled with pesto pasta, spoon stirring pasta.

    💭 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 flavored olive oil, definitely 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.
    Close up of pesto pasta topped with basil.

    🌿 More Pesto Recipes

    I can never get enough 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!


    Closeup of a plate of pesto pasta with chicken.

    Quick & Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

    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!
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dinner
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Servings: 5 people
    Calories: 445kcal
    Author: Amanda Mason

    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 flavored olive oil, definitely 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.

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email to receive this recipe, along with weekly food inspiration!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 455mg | Potassium: 612mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 8609IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @RecipesWorthRep or tag #RecipesWorthRepeating!
    Update Notes: This post was originally published in May 2012, but was republished with updated step-by-step instructions, pictures, and tips in March 2022.
     
    ✔️
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    248 shares

    About Amanda Mason

    Hi! I'm Amanda, the founder and creator behind Recipes Worth Repeating! Simply put, I focus on creating delicious recipes for everyone. I offer variety. I offer convenience. I offer yumminess! And that's why people keep coming back. The recipes I create are absolutely worth repeating.

    Founded in 2012, Recipes Worth Repeating grew from people routinely asking me to email them the recipe for my latest dish. Recipe development comes naturally to me and I find cooking relaxing. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I developed a passion for cooking at an early age and I love to showcase a variety of recipes on my blog.Creating delicious new recipes, still photography, and video for Recipes Worth Repeating is the driving force behind what engages my readers to keep coming back for more recipes they will love.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 10 votes (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




       

    1. Heidy

      April 04, 2022 at 7:31 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        April 04, 2022 at 5:14 pm

        So glad to hear this, Heidi!! It's such an easy one to make, too!!

        Reply
    2. Ramona

      April 04, 2022 at 5:33 am

      5 stars
      I haven't made pasta in quite some time and I can't wait to try out this recipe! Thank you for sharing this!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        April 04, 2022 at 5:13 pm

        I can't wait to hear how it turns out for you, Ramona!!

        Reply
    3. Amita

      April 03, 2022 at 5:50 am

      5 stars
      My daughter loves Chicken. i made this the other night and turned out to be total winner. Will be making it again for sure.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        April 03, 2022 at 7:22 am

        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!

        Reply
    4. Veronika Sykorova

      April 01, 2022 at 9:06 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        April 02, 2022 at 12:38 pm

        So glad to hear this, Veronika!! The carrots add a nice subtle flavor, for sure!

        Reply
    5. Lauren Michael Harris

      March 30, 2022 at 8:10 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        March 30, 2022 at 8:45 am

        Yeah!! Love hearing this! Yes - the added Parmesan really enhances the flavor and take it to a whole new level! Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    6. Kathryn

      March 30, 2022 at 7:54 am

      5 stars
      Yummm! This sounds so good and easy for dinner any night!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        March 30, 2022 at 8:44 am

        Let me know when you try it! I can't wait to hear what you think!

        Reply
    7. Kayla DiMaggio

      March 30, 2022 at 7:04 am

      5 stars
      Loving this chicken pesto pasta! It was so delicious and easy to make! Total winner!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        March 30, 2022 at 8:43 am

        Yeah! So glad to hear this, Kayla!!

        Reply
    8. Marta

      March 28, 2022 at 7:25 pm

      5 stars
      I loved how easy this chicken with parm noodles came together for dinner tonight. That basil pesto sauce was so on point!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        March 29, 2022 at 8:51 am

        Oh nice! I'm so glad to hear this!!! Glad your dinner was a success!

        Reply
    9. Bernice

      March 28, 2022 at 3:07 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        March 28, 2022 at 3:14 pm

        Yep - lots of variations you can add! It is so good the next day!!

        Reply
    10. Liz

      March 28, 2022 at 2:40 pm

      5 stars
      I love chicken pesto! I also love that your recipe seems pretty quick and easy! Perfect for a weekday meal!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        March 28, 2022 at 3:13 pm

        Yes, it is very quick and easy!! You'll love it for dinner!!!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Amanda! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I'm a wife, mother of two, lover of all things food and wine, and photographer. Here at Recipes Worth Repeating, you're going to find the most delicious and easy to make recipes everyone will love.

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