This Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella combine to create a comforting pasta dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
- Packed with fresh basil pesto flavor
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh ingredients
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 pound linguine, spaghetti, or penne
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Extra chopped basil for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Homemade Basil Pesto
- 3 loosely packed cups basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 garlic clove
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Make the Basil Pesto
- Add basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and salt to a food processor or blender.
- Pulse until the ingredients are finely combined.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
- Blend until smooth but still slightly textured.
- Set aside until ready to use.
Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain well and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken strips generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
Finish the Dish
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Turn off the heat.
- Add the cooked pasta and basil pesto.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Add a splash of olive oil if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Top with mozzarella pearls and garnish with chopped basil.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly made pesto for the brightest flavor.
- Penne holds pesto particularly well, but linguine and spaghetti work beautifully too.
- Reserve a little pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary.
- Add spinach or arugula for extra greens.
- Substitute grilled chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Toast the pine nuts before blending for a deeper nutty taste.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein, Family-Friendly
Notes
- Store-bought pesto can be used for convenience.
- Fresh mozzarella can be replaced with shredded mozzarella.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top before serving.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
FAQ
Can I make Chicken Pesto Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dish up to one day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
What pasta works best for Chicken Pesto Pasta?
Penne, linguine, spaghetti, and fusilli all work well because they hold the pesto sauce effectively.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely. High-quality store-bought basil pesto is a convenient alternative.
How do I keep pesto from drying out?
Add a little reserved pasta water or olive oil when reheating to maintain a silky texture.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Spinach, zucchini, asparagus, broccoli, and bell peppers pair wonderfully with this recipe.
Is Chicken Pesto Pasta good for meal prep?
Yes. It stores well and makes an excellent lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce.
Similar Recipes
Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe with Mozzarella
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 pound linguine spaghetti, or penne
- 2 chicken breasts sliced into strips
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Extra chopped basil for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the Homemade Basil Pesto
- 3 loosely packed cups basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 garlic clove
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Make the Basil Pesto
- Add basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and salt to a food processor or blender.
- Pulse until the ingredients are finely combined.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
- Blend until smooth but still slightly textured.
- Set aside until ready to use.
Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain well and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken strips generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
Finish the Dish
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Turn off the heat.
- Add the cooked pasta and basil pesto.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Add a splash of olive oil if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Top with mozzarella pearls and garnish with chopped basil.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe.
Notes
- Store-bought pesto can be used for convenience.
- Fresh mozzarella can be replaced with shredded mozzarella.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top before serving.
Conclusion
This Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe delivers fresh basil flavor, juicy chicken, and creamy mozzarella in every bite. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a meal for guests, this simple pasta dish is guaranteed to impress. Keep this recipe on hand whenever you need a delicious and reliable family favorite.