If you’re craving a fast and satisfying dinner, this pesto chicken pasta delivers bold flavor in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken, bow tie pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich pesto come together in a dish that feels fancy but cooks fast. Whether you use store-bought or homemade pesto, this recipe guarantees a flavorful and easy meal for any night.
Table of Contents
The Story — Why Pesto Chicken Pasta Is My Go-To Meal
I grew up surrounded by comforting smells — garlic, basil, and the warmth of my aunt’s kitchen. That’s where my love for simple, flavorful meals began. Today, pesto chicken pasta is my go-to dinner when I want something quick, creamy, and full of flavor.
What makes pesto chicken pasta so special? It’s rich but light, fast but satisfying. Bow tie pasta holds the pesto beautifully, while the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes bring texture and depth. You can make it even better with homemade pesto, or keep it simple with a quality store-bought version.
This pesto chicken pasta is also great for meal prep. It reheats well, and tastes even better the next day. I usually serve it with garlic bread or a crisp salad — it’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort food but still fresh.
It reminds me of childhood Sundays but is perfect for busy weeknights. If you’re a pasta lover like me, don’t miss recipes like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or the dreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta. They’re ideal companions for this creamy bowl of goodness.
Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a solo comfort meal, pesto chicken pasta is a dish you’ll absolutely come back to.
Quick and Easy 30-Minute Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
PrintQuick, Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta You’ll Absolutely Love
This quick, creamy pesto chicken pasta is a simple 30-minute dinner packed with juicy chicken, vibrant pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
16 oz bow tie pasta
1 tsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
½ cup pesto sauce
⅓ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, 8–10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add cubed chicken and red pepper flakes. Cook until chicken is golden and cooked through.
5. Drain pasta and transfer to a large bowl.
6. Add cooked chicken, pesto sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss to coat evenly.
7. Serve with salad and crusty bread.
Notes
Use homemade pesto for an extra fresh taste.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
The beauty of pesto chicken pasta is in its simplicity. You only need a few basic ingredients to create a rich and satisfying dish. For this recipe, start with bow tie pasta — also known as farfalle — which grips the pesto sauce perfectly in its ridges.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 16 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
- ½ cup pesto sauce
- ⅓ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
You can make this with store-bought pesto, or go the extra mile with homemade. While homemade adds a little prep time, it brings out those bold, herby notes that pair so well with the tender chicken. The sun-dried tomatoes are key — their sweetness cuts the richness of the pesto and adds a chewy bite.
If you love bold, saucy combinations, try something like Kingsland Steak and Shrimp Pasta for another protein-packed pasta winner.
Step-by-Step Method for the Perfect Pasta
Start by boiling salted water and cooking the bow tie pasta until al dente — about 8–10 minutes. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Sauté the garlic until fragrant.
Next, add your chicken and red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, which usually takes 6–8 minutes depending on size.
Once drained, transfer the pasta to a large bowl and mix in the cooked chicken, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss everything together until every bite is coated in that creamy, vibrant green sauce.
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and a quick salad. And if you’re in a mood to explore other quick meals, Meghan Markle Pasta is a surprising crowd-pleaser that uses pantry staples and delivers big flavor.
Tasty Variations to Customize Your Pesto Chicken Pasta
Make It Creamy, Cheesy, or Spicy
One of the best things about pesto chicken pasta is how customizable it is. Love creamy textures? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese with the pesto for a silkier sauce. Want more depth? Grate in some fresh Parmesan or Pecorino Romano — it boosts the savory notes and makes every bite more satisfying.
To turn up the heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a touch of chili oil. For a smoky flavor, swap regular chicken for grilled or smoked chicken. This pairs especially well if you’re already a fan of recipes like Shrimp Mushroom Pasta, where earthy flavors and spice shine.
If you’re prepping meals ahead, pesto chicken pasta stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Protein Swaps and Veggie Boosts
Not a fan of chicken every night? This pasta works beautifully with other proteins too. Try shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey breast, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian spin. You can also mix in shrimp, inspired by the seafood combo in Steak Pasta for a surf-and-turf twist.
Vegetables also elevate this dish. Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, or steamed broccoli. These not only add color and texture but also balance the richness of the pesto sauce.
Want to go low-carb? Swap bow tie pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta. For a smoky kick, grilled corn kernels are a surprisingly fun addition.
If you enjoy hearty pasta bowls, check out the savory-sweet combos in Kielbasa Pasta Recipes for more weeknight inspiration.
How to Serve and Store Pesto Chicken Pasta
Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal
A bowl of pesto chicken pasta is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes dinner feel special. For a fresh contrast to the rich pesto, serve it with a crisp garden salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is always a winning idea — perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
If you enjoy balancing flavors, a tangy balsamic glaze drizzled over the pasta adds a sweet note that plays beautifully with the savory chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. This little trick makes the meal feel restaurant-worthy without adding much effort.
For special dinners or date nights at home, I love serving this pasta alongside a light appetizer like bruschetta or a charcuterie board. If you’re craving more pasta options for cozy evenings, the Kingsland Steak and Shrimp Pasta and the creamy Delicious Penne Pasta and Alfredo Sauce are fantastic alternatives.
How to Store Leftovers and Reheat
One more reason to love pesto chicken pasta — it keeps well! Keep any leftover pasta in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until everything is heated through.
Try not to microwave on high for extended periods, as this can make the chicken and pasta dry. Instead, reheat in short intervals, stirring between each burst.
If you meal prep, divide the pasta into individual portions. That way, it’s ready to grab for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners. You can even freeze it, though I recommend eating within a month for the best flavor and texture.
Want more tasty pasta recipes that make weeknights easy? Don’t miss the comforting Marry Me Chicken Pasta or the simple elegance of Meghan Markle Pasta.
Conclusion
This quick, creamy pesto chicken pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and rich flavor, it’s perfect for busy nights when you crave comforting homemade pasta without fuss. Pair it with a fresh salad and crusty bread, and dinner is done!
Love simple, delicious recipes like our kielbasa pasta dishes? Don’t miss out!
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FAQs
What to put in chicken and pesto pasta?
For the best chicken and pesto pasta, use bow tie pasta, tender chicken breast, good-quality pesto (store-bought or homemade), minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat. Finish with grated Parmesan if you like it cheesy.
What seasoning is good in pesto pasta with chicken?
Keep it simple! Garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper are all you need. Fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon can brighten the flavor too. Pesto already has bold seasoning, so taste as you go.
What to mix with pesto for pasta?
Pesto mixes well with a splash of pasta cooking water or a bit of cream for extra silkiness. Add cooked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted veggies, or even mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
How to make Italian chicken pesto pasta?
Boil pasta until al dente. In a skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil, add chicken pieces, and cook until golden. Toss cooked pasta, chicken, pesto sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes in a big bowl until well coated. Serve hot with bread and salad.
