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This Chicken Alfredo Pesto Pasta is your new weeknight go-to. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — and best of all, it all comes together in one pot. Think tender chicken, pasta cooked right in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce, and a swirl of fresh basil pesto for that herby kick.
It tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Italian restaurant but is way easier (and cheaper!) to make at home. If you love pasta dishes that deliver on comfort without a ton of effort, this is the recipe for you.
Why you’ll love this chicken pesto pasta
- One pot — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
- Ready in about 30 minutes — perfect for busy nights
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Makes amazing leftovers for lunch
Helpful Tips
- Stir the pasta while it cooks so it doesn’t stick.
- If the liquid cooks down too fast, just add a splash more broth.
- Feel free to swap the spaghetti for fettuccine, linguine, or rotini.
- You can lighten things up with half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Toss in a handful of baby spinach or peas for a veggie boost.
How to make Chicken Alfredo Pesto Pasta (quick overview)
Full step-by-step is in the recipe card below, but here’s the big picture:
- Sauté the diced chicken until golden.
- Stir in garlic and let it get fragrant.
- Add the butter, then pour in chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente.
- Then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and basil pesto until smooth and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy every bite!
Substitutions and variations
- Swap chicken for shrimp or even salmon
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed
- Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a fun twist
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat
What to serve with it
This pasta is a meal on its own, but you can make it extra cozy with:
- Garlic bread
- A crisp side salad
- Roasted or steamed veggies
Storage and leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce. We don’t recommend freezing this dish since creamy sauces can separate after thawing.
❓FAQs
Yes! Store-bought pesto works great and makes this recipe even faster. Homemade pesto is delicious if you have time, but it’s not required.
Pretty much anything — fettuccine, rotini, or even bowties all work perfectly. Just keep an eye on cooking times and add more broth if needed.
This dish tastes best fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back.
If you give this recipe a try, we’d really love to hear what you think — feel free to leave a rating and help others find this delicious pasta too!
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Chicken Alfredo Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, diced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, add more if needed for the pasta
- ½ pound spaghetti, or fettuccine
- ¾ cup heavy cream, or half & half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup basil pesto, store-bought or homemade
- fresh parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the butter and let it melt completely around the chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 10–12 minutes), adding more broth if needed to prevent sticking.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and basil pesto. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy, coating both the pasta and the chicken.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you’d like. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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