A Luxurious Twist on a Classic Pasta Dish
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Alfredo blends the richness of traditional alfredo sauce with the vibrant freshness of basil pesto and the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes. Tender chicken, silky sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta come together in one decadent dish that’s ready in under 40 minutes.
Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you need a taste of creamy comfort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧀 Double Cheese Goodness: Cream cheese and Parmesan create a luscious sauce without being heavy.
- 🌿 Pesto Perfection: Adds a bright herbal punch to the rich alfredo base.
- 🍅 Sun-Dried Tomato Pop: Sweet, chewy, and packed with umami.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: From stove to plate in under 40 minutes—no cream sauce from scratch needed.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Ideal at dinner parties, romantic evenings, or meal prep.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken & Pasta:
- 2½ cups uncooked penne pasta (or fettuccine, rotini, or gluten-free pasta)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
- 2 tsp olive oil (or avocado oil for high-heat cooking)
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter
- 8 oz cream cheese , cubed (full-fat for best texture)
- 1⅓ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts best)
- 3 cloves garlic , minced (or 1 tsp garlic paste)
For the Pesto & Topping:
- 4 tsp prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil , drained and julienned (blot dry to reduce grease)
- Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley (for garnish – optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10–12 minutes).
Drain and set aside while preparing the chicken and sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper .
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side , or until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Remove chicken to a plate and top each piece with 1 teaspoon of pesto . Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt:
- Butter
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in cream cheese cubes and let melt slightly.
Whisk in:
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until sauce is smooth and thickened—about 5–7 minutes .
Step 4: Stir in Pesto & Tomatoes
Add sun-dried tomatoes and the remaining 2 teaspoons of pesto to the sauce.
Mix until fully incorporated and heated through.
Tip: If sauce is too thick, add 2–3 tbsp of pasta water for a silkier texture.
Step 5: Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Stir gently to avoid breaking up the pasta.
Step 6: Serve with Chicken & Garnish
Place a chicken breast over each serving of pasta.
Pour extra sauce over the top if desired.
Sprinkle with fresh basil or extra Parmesan for extra flair.
Each bite brings together:
- Silky, cheesy alfredo sauce
- Herbaceous pesto notes
- Sweet, chewy sun-dried tomatoes
- And juicy, pesto-topped chicken
Tips for Success:
- 🧈 Use Room-Temp Cheese: Prevents lumps in the sauce.
- 🍝 Pasta Water Hack: A splash of starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- 🥦 Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add roasted mushrooms or cauliflower instead.
- 🧂 Parmesan Substitute: Use Pecorino Romano or vegan cheese if preferred.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or steamed veggies.
- Great for romantic dinners, family meals, or solo indulgence.
- Ideal with white wine, iced tea, or lemon water.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 4 servings – approximate):
(With regular ingredients – per plate)
- Calories: ~800 kcal
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fat: ~45g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~5g
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Alfredo proves that combining two classic sauces—alfredo and pesto—creates something unforgettable. With its tender chicken, silky pasta, and bold Mediterranean flavors—it’s a must-bake (well… must-stir!) for lovers of creamy pasta dishes.
