Print

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Mozzarella

A fork lifting a bite of Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Mozzarella, showing a dramatic cheese pull.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this simple, flavorful skillet pasta featuring tender chicken, bright pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream, pesto, and cream cheese cubes. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  6. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts into the sauce.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh Parmesan and basil if desired.

Notes

  • Use store-bought or homemade basil pesto for the best flavor.
  • For extra richness, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the sauce may be slightly thinner.
  • You can add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach along with the chicken for extra vegetables.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycourier.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-pasta-with-mozzarella/