Chicken Alfredo Pesto Pasta

Introduction

Chicken Alfredo Pesto Pasta is the ultimate marriage of two Italian favorites: creamy Alfredo and fragrant basil pesto. This decadent pasta dinner is beloved for its velvety sauce, succulent chicken, and vibrant pops of herby flavor. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for a special gathering.

If you want a pasta dish that checks every box—rich, flavorful, and truly satisfying—this recipe is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why Chicken Alfredo Pesto Pasta is a Must-Try

The beauty of this dish lies in the harmony between creamy Alfredo and zesty pesto. Each forkful delivers a luscious texture, tender slices of chicken, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh basil. What sets this recipe apart is its balance: it’s indulgent without being heavy, and it’s dynamic yet straightforward to prepare.

Pairing pesto and Alfredo transforms the sauce into something truly memorable, making a crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends.

Getting Your Ingredients Ready

Begin by prepping all your ingredients to ensure smooth cooking. Use a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 for chopping chicken and prepping garlic or herbs safely and efficiently.

If you prefer precise, uniform dicing of vegetables (like adding sun-dried tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor), a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes prep a breeze and cuts down on time.

Cooking the Chicken and Making the Sauce

For perfectly cooked, juicy chicken, start by seasoning your chicken breasts and searing them in a reliable nonstick pan, like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. This ensures even browning and effortless release.

Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, set it aside and use the same pan to build your Alfredo sauce: sauté garlic, melt in butter, and whisk together cream and Parmesan. Stir in store-bought or homemade basil pesto for a beautifully blended, rich sauce.

Combining Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Cook your favorite pasta shape—fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni—until al dente. For best results, reserve a bit of pasta water to help your Alfredo pesto sauce cling silky-smooth to the noodles.

Toss the drained pasta directly into the pan with Alfredo pesto sauce. Add sliced chicken and combine everything until the sauce glazes each strand or bite. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste and serve promptly for maximum creaminess.

Perfect Serving and Storage Tips

Garnish your pasta with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, or a handful of fresh basil leaves for visual flair and added depth. This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or garlic bread.

For meal prepping or storing leftovers, use airtight Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup)—they’ll keep your pasta fresh and ready for lunch the next day with zero spills.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves four hearty portions, each containing approximately 600–700 calories depending on pasta and sauce ingredients. Expect a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats from pesto, and satisfying carbohydrates—ideal for an energizing dinner.

Chicken Alfredo Pesto Pasta (Recap)

By blending Alfredo’s classic creaminess with the punchy brightness of pesto, this Chicken Alfredo Pesto Pasta offers a flavor experience that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s a guaranteed hit for any gathering or weeknight meal, with rich sauce, tender chicken, and just the right herby finish.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
2. While pasta cooks, cut chicken breasts into strips on your Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in your SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high. Add chicken and sauté until golden and cooked through—about 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and keep warm.
4. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Lower heat and gradually whisk in the Parmesan until melted and smooth. Stir in the basil pesto and return chicken (plus sun-dried tomatoes, if using) to the sauce.
6. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for optimal freshness.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy your new favorite creamy, herb-forward pasta dish—all the flavor, none of the fuss!