Name: Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb rigatoni; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 chicken breast diced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped; 15 oz tomato sauce; 6 oz pesto; 1/3 cup light cream; 1 cup roasted red peppers chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 balls burrata (4 ounces each)

There’s something about that velvety blend of tomato, basil, and cream that just hugs you like a warm hug on a chilly night. This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe combines comforting flavors in a way that feels both fancy and downright cozy. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, trust me.

A metal pan filled with rigatoni pasta mixed with chunks of cooked chicken, wilted green spinach leaves, and strips of red bell pepper, all coated in a light orange sauce. The pasta is tubular and ridged, the chicken pieces are light golden brown and unevenly shaped, and the spinach adds small leafy green pops throughout. The pan sits on a light-colored countertop beside two stacked white plates with two metal forks resting on the top plate. A small green plant in a beige pot sits on a wooden board in the top left corner. A beige cloth napkin with a scalloped edge is near the bottom left corner. 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 Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I fell in love with this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe the first time I made it because it's just so easy to pull together yet feels special enough for guests. The flavors are layered but balanced, and it comes together faster than you’d expect for a pasta that tastes this rich.

Flavor-packed but simple: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and roasted red peppers creates a sauce bursting with complexity without a lot of effort.
Quick weeknight dinner: From stovetop to table in about 30 minutes, meaning you get a wholesome meal even on your busiest days.
Customizable comfort: You can easily swap pasta shapes or add extra greens to suit your tastes or pantry.
Creamy texture that impresses: The mix of light cream with tomato sauce and pesto gives this pasta a luscious finish that’s delightful spoonful after spoonful.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a role in creating this harmonious dish—from the tender chicken, which adds protein, to the fresh spinach for brightness and texture. I always recommend using quality pesto and sun-dried tomatoes because they really elevate the flavor without needing to fuss.

Flat lay of fresh rigatoni pasta, two tablespoons of golden olive oil in a small white bowl, a diced raw chicken breast, a small white bowl with Italian seasoning, a tiny white bowl with garlic powder, a tiny white bowl with red pepper flakes, a tiny white bowl with salt, a tiny white bowl with black pepper, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, two whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with smooth red tomato sauce, a small white bowl with vibrant green pesto, a small white bowl with light cream, chopped roasted red peppers, a handful of fresh spinach leaves, two whole balls of creamy burrata cheese, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rigatoni: Its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, but any sturdy pasta shape works well.
Olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken and adds fruity richness to the base flavor.
Chicken breast: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up all the delicious seasonings.
Italian seasoning & garlic powder: These pantry staples give the chicken a warm, herby punch without a ton of prep.
Red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things exciting but not overpowering.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed with intense tomato flavor and a slight chew that adds great texture.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses everything with that unmistakable savory aroma.
Tomato sauce: The base of the creamy tomato layer, giving the dish a bright acidic balance.
Pesto: Adds fresh basil flavor and an herbal depth that makes this dish uniquely satisfying.
Light cream: Brings silky smoothness without making it overly heavy.
Roasted red peppers: Sweet and smoky, they complement the pesto and tomato flavors so well.
Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a little bit of bite once wilted in the sauce.
Burrata: The crowning touch – creamy cheese that melts slightly on the pasta, giving a divine richness.

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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

Over time, I’ve started tweaking this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe to suit different moods and occasions. You can really make it your own by changing up the greens, swapping proteins, or even adding some extra heat.

Variation: Once, I swapped the chicken for shrimp and it turned out just as tasty and even more indulgent. You could try turkey sausage or even keep it vegetarian by adding mushrooms and extra roasted veggies.
Spinach swap: Kale or arugula work wonderfully if you prefer a slightly peppery or sturdier green.
Heat level: Feel free to increase the red pepper flakes if you like your pasta spicy, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream instead of light cream and vegan pesto for a plant-based version that still thrills.

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

A beige bowl filled with rigatoni pasta mixed with chunks of lightly browned chicken, bright red bell pepper slices, and wilted green spinach, all coated in a creamy orange sauce. On top, there is a dollop of soft white cheese with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper. A silver fork rests on the right side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a light-colored cloth nearby. In the background, a white bowl holds a similar pasta dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

First things first, bring a big pot of water to a boil and salt it generously—that’s where your pasta gets its first punch of flavor. I like rigatoni for this because the sauce really clings to the ridges. Cook according to the package, but always test a minute or two before to avoid overcooking. Don’t forget to save a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain—it’s useful later for loosening the sauce!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken with Seasonings

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan. Toss in the diced chicken and let it get a nice golden crust—about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Sprinkle on Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, then give it a quick toss to get all that aroma going. The key is not to crowd the pan; if your chicken cubes are too close, they’ll steam instead of sear.

Step 3: Build Your Sauce Layer by Layer

Next, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Then pour in the tomato sauce, pesto, and light cream. Stir everything gently and let it simmer on low heat. This is when the magic happens—the cream mellows the acidity, and the pesto brings its fresh herbal brightness.

Step 4: Add Roasted Peppers and Spinach

Toss in the chopped roasted red peppers and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, which should only take a couple minutes. You want those bright green leaves tender but not mushy—they add the perfect freshness against the rich sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Finish with Burrata

Now, add your drained pasta straight into the sauce and toss until every piece is coated luxuriously. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a bit of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up without watering down the flavor. Serve it warm and top each plate with half a ball of burrata cheese—the creamy center melts slightly into the pasta, creating little pockets of indulgence.

Top Tip

After making this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks that turn a good dish into a great one. Paying attention to the little details can really elevate the final plate.

Perfect pasta texture: Always keep an eye on the pasta’s texture before draining—it should be al dente to hold up beautifully with the creamy sauce without becoming mushy once tossed.
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water: It’s a game changer for adjusting sauce consistency naturally while boosting flavor and helping the sauce cling to pasta.
Sear chicken well: Getting a golden crust on the chicken pieces locks in juices and gives you a lovely texture contrast with the creamy pasta.
Fresh cheese finish: Topping with burrata at the end adds a luscious creamy burst—definitely don’t use pre-shredded cheese instead, it won’t deliver the same impact.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper and a little extra torn basil on top to brighten it up. Sometimes I’ll add toasted pine nuts for crunch, which pairs nicely with the creamy texture. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving also enhances that fresh, vibrant flavor.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with something light and fresh like a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread—all to balance the creamy richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also make great sides for some extra greens.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try plating this on wide pasta bowls, topping each serving with a basil sprig and a bit of lemon zest to add color and aroma. You can serve the burrata on the side for guests to add themselves or dollop small balls of it over the pasta for a stunning presentation with oozy cheese pockets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pesto chicken pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to separate the burrata or fresh cheese to add fresh when reheating so that texture and creaminess stay intact. The sauce tends to thicken in the fridge, just loosen it with a splash of water or broth when warming back up.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this pasta a couple of times—while the sauce holds up okay, the fresh spinach can lose some texture and the burrata is best skipped or added fresh after thawing. For best results, freeze the pasta and sauce without the cheese and mix in a fresh cheese topping after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a little water or broth to bring back creaminess without breaking the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch but stir every 30 seconds to prevent hot spots and overcooking the chicken. Add fresh spinach or herbs at the end for a refreshed flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works great because its ridges hold sauce well, you can use penne, fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the light cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Use a vegan pesto or make your own without cheese. Skip the burrata or use a plant-based cheese to keep it dairy-free.

How do I store and reheat leftovers without losing creaminess?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm on medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat or microwave bursts without stirring, as it can curdle the cream.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time and store them separately. Make the sauce and reheat everything together just before serving. Burrata and fresh greens are best added last-minute for freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe really feels like one of those dishes that brings comfort and a little joy in every forkful. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s simple, satisfying, and perfect when you want a meal that feels a bit special but won’t keep you in the kitchen all evening. So go on, give it a try and savor the creamy, herby goodness!