Name: Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in a Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz. penne pasta, cooked al dente; 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt, or to taste; 1/8 teaspoon pepper, or to taste; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 7 oz. basil pesto

If you're craving something that feels fancy but comes together in a snap, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in a Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, comforting, and bursting with basil goodness, it’s one of my absolute favorite weeknight dinner go-tos that you can whip up without breaking a sweat.

creamy pesto chicken - A close-up view of a stainless steel pan filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with browned pieces of seasoned chicken. The pasta is coated in a pale yellow sauce with visible black pepper and herbs throughout. Small bright green basil leaves are scattered on top, along with finely grated white cheese sprinkled over the dish. A wooden spoon rests inside the pan, partially lifting some pasta, showing the thick creamy texture. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a block of cheese and some green leaves blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in a Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in a Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in a Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this creamy pesto chicken pasta hits all the right notes in my kitchen. It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and that creamy pesto sauce is truly a game changer. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a treat but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

All-in-One Skillet Magic: Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is minimal—and who doesn’t appreciate that?
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The creamy pesto sauce is vibrant with fresh basil and cheesy goodness, making each bite super satisfying.
Perfect Weeknight Meal: It’s quick to prepare and hits the comfort food vibe without being too heavy or complicated.
Customizable: You can easily add veggies or spice it up, letting you make it your very own every time.

creamy pesto chicken - The image shows a close-up of creamy pasta with three visible layers. The base layer is penne pasta cooked to a soft yellow color and coated evenly with a smooth, light beige sauce mixed with small black pepper specks. On the second layer, there are pieces of cooked chicken with a golden-brown crust, adding texture and color contrast. The top layer has small green basil leaves scattered across the pasta along with fine shavings of white cheese sprinkled throughout. A wooden spoon lifts some pasta from a white bowl, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together to create a sauce that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh basil flavor. Using a good quality pesto and fresh cheeses really makes a difference. Plus, knowing when to add the pesto is key—it keeps that bright flavor alive.

creamy pesto chicken - Flat lay of fresh basil leaves with deep green color and delicate texture, bite-sized raw chicken breast pieces showing soft pink flesh, plump garlic cloves with smooth white skin, golden yellow butter cubes with creamy texture, a wedge of Parmesan cheese boasting a pale ivory hue and granular surface, bright green basil pesto with a slightly oily sheen, uncooked penne pasta in pale beige with smooth ridges, and a scattering of dried Italian seasoning herbs in mixed green and brown tones, all beautifully arranged in a natural flow with overlapping edges and small gaps between each ingredient, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Penne Pasta: Its ridges and tube shape hold the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Butter: Adds richness and helps build that silky sauce base.
Olive Oil: Helps with searing the chicken, preventing it from sticking, and adding a nice depth of flavor.
Chicken Breasts: Tender bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up the sauce perfectly.
Italian Seasoning, Onion Powder, Salt & Pepper: These simple spices build a tasty foundation for the chicken.
Garlic: Just enough to add that wonderful aroma and flavor without overpowering.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and helps thin the sauce before it thickens.
Heavy Cream: The star ingredient that makes this sauce luxuriously creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, nutty addition that melts perfectly to enhance umami.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooey, melty texture to the sauce that’s irresistible.
Basil Pesto: The fresh basil oil and nuts bring that signature flavor—add it at the end to keep its vibrancy.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on what I have on hand. It’s super versatile, so don’t be shy about making it your own. A few simple swaps or additions can really alter the vibe of the dish.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is stirring in a handful of fresh baby spinach right before serving—it wilts quickly and adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Go Veggie-Heavy: Feel free to toss in sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes are the perfect addition to the sauce without taking over.
Make It Creamier: I sometimes stir in a couple tablespoons of cream cheese for an ultra-luxe finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in a Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente

Start by boiling your penne pasta in salted water until it’s just tender but still with a little bite. I like it al dente because it finishes cooking in the sauce and absorbs flavor nicely without getting mushy. Drain and set it aside while you work on the chicken and sauce.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season those bite-sized chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper—get your hands in there and mix it up well. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil in a stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear until golden and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes), turning to get a nice crust. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate but keep all those yummy brown bits in the pan—you’re going to use them in the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium, then melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant—maybe 30 seconds tops; burnt garlic can turn bitter. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the pan bottom. This is where the sauce starts to come to life! Bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses

Turn the heat to medium-low and slowly add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses in batches. Stir constantly to help the cheese melt evenly and keep your sauce smooth. This part takes patience, but trust me, that creamy texture is worth it!

Step 5: Simmer and Season

Give your sauce a taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Let it simmer gently for about 8 minutes until it thickens up—stir occasionally to keep it luscious and prevent sticking.

Step 6: Bring It All Together with Pesto

Finally, add your cooked pasta, the seared chicken along with any juices on the plate, and the basil pesto. Stir well until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Remember to add the pesto at the end so it stays bright and fresh tasting instead of getting bitter or brown.

Step 7: Serve It Hot and Enjoy!

Ladle it into bowls or plates and dig in while it’s warm and melty. This creamy pesto chicken pasta in a skillet recipe seriously hits the comfort spot every time.

Top Tip

After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make a big difference. Follow these and you’ll have creamy pesto chicken pasta perfection every time!

Add Pesto Last: Don't cook the pesto—stir it in only at the end to keep its vibrant color and fresh, bright flavor.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting; fresh makes the sauce silky.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces and sear over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through to keep it juicy.
Scrape Up Those Brown Bits: The fond on the skillet bottom is packed with flavor—make sure you don’t skip deglazing with broth and cream!

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in a Skillet Recipe

creamy pesto chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves torn on top. It gives a bright, fresh pop that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. Sometimes I also do a quick drizzle of good quality olive oil to make it look and taste gourmet.

Side Dishes

This pasta is pretty hearty on its own, but I enjoy pairing it with a simple arugula salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette is a classic that’s always welcome for mopping up extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this creamy pesto chicken pasta in shallow bowls and topped each with tiny edible flowers or pine nuts for a fun and fancy twist. You can also plate it family-style in the skillet itself (if oven-proof) to keep it warm and rustic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce thickens as it cools, so before reheating, I add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up gently on the stove. It keeps well for 3-4 days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a few times, though the creamy texture softens a bit after thawing. If you do freeze it, portion it out so you can thaw only what you need. Reheat slowly in a saucepan with additional broth to refresh the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring constantly and adding a little liquid to revive the creaminess. Microwave works in a pinch, but keep the power low and stir every 30 seconds to avoid overheating the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use another type of pasta for Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in a Skillet Recipe?

Yes! While penne is great because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute with fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. The key is to choose a pasta shape that can trap and hold the creamy sauce.

Why do I add pesto at the end in this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in a Skillet Recipe?

Pesto is delicate, and cooking it too long or at high heat will make it lose its vibrant green color and fresh flavor, turning bitter and dull. Adding it at the end keeps the sauce bright and flavorful.

Can I make this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in a Skillet Recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap out the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and use vegan cheeses or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and mozzarella. Keep in mind this will change the flavor and creaminess slightly.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The best method is reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to avoid sticking or burning and maintain that creamy texture. Microwaving works too but do it in short bursts and stir in between.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in a Skillet Recipe has become a staple in my rotation because it’s just so easy to throw together yet completely satisfying. The sauce is rich but bright, the chicken juicy, and the pesto adds that fresh basil punch I adore. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be one of those recipes you come back to time and time again—perfect for busy nights when you still want home-cooked comfort. Give it a go, and let me know how you customize it to make it your own!