Need a dinner that’s fresh, flavorful, and on the table in the time it takes to boil water? This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is your weeknight superhero! Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with pesto, tossed with pasta, crisp green beans, and sweet cherry tomatoes in a lusciously creamy sauce. It’s a vibrant, all in one meal that’s packed with color and tastes like you spent way more than 20 minutes in the kitchen. Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners and hello to your new go to pasta obsession.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Blazing Fast: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
- One Pan Pasta: Cook the pasta and beans together in one pot for easy prep and cleanup.
- Creamy & Fresh: Creme fraiche (or sour cream) creates a luxurious sauce that perfectly coats every bite without being heavy.
- Perfectly Balanced: You get your protein, carbs, and veggies all in one delicious, satisfying bowl.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 (6-7 oz) jar basil pesto, divided
- 12 oz dried pasta (like penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- ½ lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons creme fraiche or full fat sour cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional for serving: ¼ cup toasted pine nuts, 4 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or pearls (ciliegine)
Instructions for Making Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
1Cook the Chicken: Preheat your broiler (grill) on high. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them with a rolling pin or meat mallet to an even ½ inch thickness.
Place the chicken on a broiler safe baking sheet. Broil for 5 minutes.
Remove the pan, flip the chicken, and spread about 1 teaspoon of pesto over the top of each breast. Return to the broiler for another 4-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). Let rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
2Cook the Pasta & Beans: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions.
About 4 minutes before the pasta is done, add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. This cooks them perfectly; tender yet crisp.
3Bring It All Together: Drain the pasta and green beans, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water.
Return the drained pasta and beans to the hot pot (off the heat). Immediately add the remaining pesto, creme fraiche (or sour cream), halved cherry tomatoes, and the sliced chicken. Toss everything together vigorously. The heat from the pasta will gently warm the tomatoes and melt the creme fraiche into a silky sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s creamy and coats every piece perfectly. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4Serve and Enjoy! Divide the pasta among bowls. Top with toasted pine nuts and fresh mozzarella pearls for an extra special touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of fresh, herby flavor in every bite!
20 Minute Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
- 1 6-7 oz jar basil pesto, divided
- 12 oz dried short pasta
- ½ lb green beans trimmed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tablespoons creme fraiche or sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts optional
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella pearls optional
Instructions
- Preheat broiler. Pound chicken to ½ inch thickness. Broil for 5 mins, flip, spread with 1 tsp pesto each, and broil 4-6 more mins until cooked. Slice.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. 4 minutes before done, add green beans to the pot.
- Drain pasta and beans, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Return pasta and beans to the hot pot. Add remaining pesto, creme fraiche, tomatoes, and sliced chicken. Toss to combine. Add pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper. Top with pine nuts and mozzarella if desired. Serve.
Notes
- Pounding the Chicken: This ensures quick, even cooking under the broiler.
- Sauce Consistency: The reserved starchy pasta water is the secret to a perfectly creamy, clingy sauce. Add it a little at a time.
- Shortcut: Use a store bought rotisserie chicken and skip step 1. Shred the chicken and stir it in at the end.
