Name: Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta 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 a cozy, flavorful dinner that feels fancy but is really easy to make, you’re going to love this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe. It’s like all your favorite comfort foods—creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pesto magic—coming together in one skillet for a hassle-free weeknight meal. Stick around and I’ll walk you through how to nail it every time.

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 Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe hits that perfect balance between rich and fresh, making it a total crowd-pleaser. I’ve made this dish countless times, and it’s my go-to when I want something comforting but impressive without a lot of work.

One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as everything melds together.
Fresh Yet Indulgent: The basil pesto adds a punch of freshness that cuts through the creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly.
Customizable: You can easily add veggies or tweak seasonings to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.
Quick and Family Friendly: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver when you need dinner on the table fast during busy weeks.

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

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role to make this dish sing. I always recommend using fresh, high-quality pesto and Parm for the best flavor. Also, cooking your pasta al dente is key—it’s going to simmer a bit in the sauce, so you don’t want it too soft initially.

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 ridged shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the chicken and garlic for depth of flavor.
Olive Oil: Used with butter for a higher smoke point and lovely golden sear on the chicken.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean, they cook quickly and soak up the sauce.
Italian Seasoning & Onion Powder: Infuse the chicken with classic herbs and a subtle savory note.
Coarse Sea Salt & Pepper: Season generously to balance and enhance flavors.
Garlic: The aromatic base that wakes up the whole dish without overpowering it.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce and prevents it from being overly heavy.
Heavy Cream: The star for that silky, luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and umami kick.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooey, melty richness that blends perfectly with Parmesan.
Basil Pesto: The fresh, herbaceous punch that brightens the whole dish — added at the end for maximum flavor.

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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

What I love most about this creamy pesto chicken pasta skillet recipe is how easy it is to tweak. You can make it your own by tossing in your preferred veggies, adjusting seasonings, or even switching up the cheeses. Trust me, don’t hesitate to experiment — it only gets better!

Veggie Boost: One time, I tossed in a big handful of fresh baby spinach and some halved cherry tomatoes toward the end. It brought a lovely freshness and color that my family devoured happily.
Extra Creaminess: For a super indulgent twist, adding a couple spoonfuls of cream cheese makes the sauce ultra-rich and velvety.
Add a Kick: If you're into a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken. It adds a nice subtle spicy note that works wonderfully.

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

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions but stop just shy of fully cooked—aim for al dente because the pasta will simmer a bit later in the sauce. Once done, drain it and set aside. I always rinse it with a little cold water to prevent sticking, especially if I’m prepping ahead.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with Italian seasoning, onion powder, coarse sea salt, and pepper. Then melt 2 tablespoons of butter along with a splash of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. The combo helps you get a beautiful golden crust on the chicken without burning the butter. Sear the chicken pieces until they’re golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; do it in batches if needed. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, giving the pan a good scrape to loosen all those browned bits stuck on the bottom (that’s pure flavor gold!). Bring the sauce to a gentle boil before lowering to medium-low.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses

Add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella in small batches, stirring continuously until they melt smoothly into the sauce. This slow incorporation prevents clumping and gives you that perfect creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning now if you need to, with a little extra salt or pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring often, until it thickens nicely—usually about 8 minutes.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Finally, add back the cooked penne and chicken (with all those delicious juices from the plate) to the skillet. Stir in the basil pesto gently, folding it through so every bite gets that fresh, herby punch. The pesto is added right at the end because heating it too much can dull its bright flavor and turn it bitter—trust me, I've made that mistake! Give everything one last stir until heated through and perfectly coated.

Serve piping hot and enjoy that beautiful mix of creamy, cheesy, and fresh flavors!

Top Tip

After making this creamy pesto chicken pasta skillet dish more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks to help you get it just right and stress-free.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Sear until golden and cooked through but not drying it out. Smaller bite-sized pieces cook faster, so watch the time closely.
Save That Pesto Flavour: Always stir in pesto off the heat or at low heat at the end to preserve its fresh, vibrant flavor.
Scrape the Pan Well: When adding broth and cream, scrape the pan to lift all the tasty brown bits – that’s where much of the sauce’s depth comes from.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: A gentle simmer thickens the sauce without curdling the cream or making the cheese clump.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this pasta with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for that pop of color and a little extra herbaceous note. A few shavings of parmesan on top are always welcome, and sometimes I add a light drizzle of good olive oil to make it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but I often pair it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic roasted broccoli. The freshness and crunch balance the creamy pasta perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For something a bit festive, I’ve served this creamy pesto chicken pasta skillet in individual mini skillets or oven-safe bowls, topped with fresh basil leaves and a light dusting of parmesan. It’s a great way to impress guests without extra fuss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I usually add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess while warming gently on the stove. This really helps revive the texture and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish once or twice when life got hectic. It freezes well, but I recommend storing the pesto separately if you can, adding it fresh when reheating to keep that vibrant pesto flavor intact and avoid bitterness.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm on low heat with a splash of broth or cream, stirring often until heated through. Avoid microwaving without some liquid as the sauce can dry out or separate. Adding fresh pesto after reheating brings back brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works great because it holds the sauce well, you can swap it out with fusilli, farfalle, or even rigatoni. Just keep the al dente cooking advice in mind so it doesn’t get mushy once combined with the sauce.

What if I don’t have fresh pesto on hand?

If you don’t have homemade or fresh pesto, a good quality store-bought jar will do just fine. Make sure to add it at the very end off the heat to preserve the flavor. You could also try other herb-based sauces like sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto for a twist.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this creamy pesto chicken pasta skillet recipe dairy-free, try swapping heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast. Keep in mind, the flavor profile will change slightly but it can still be delicious!

How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?

Make sure to simmer the sauce gently rather than boiling it rapidly. Adding cheese in small batches and stirring constantly helps it melt smoothly. Also, adding pesto off the heat prevents bitterness and preserves the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s tasty, quick, and feels like a treat without the fuss. It’s the kind of dish I recommend to friends who want to impress their family or guests with a delicious homemade meal, but without standing over the stove for hours. Give it a try—I'm confident it’ll become one of your favorites too!