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 cheese, 4 ounces each

Nothing beats a dish that's cozy, flavorful, and just a little fancy, right? This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe perfectly balances rich pesto, tender chicken, and a luscious, creamy tomato sauce—making it one of those meals you’ll feel proud to serve any night of the week.

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

Honestly, I can’t wait to tell you why this creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe is such a gem. From the way the sauce clings to every rigatoni nook to the pop of sun-dried tomatoes and the melting burrata on top, it’s a feel-good dinner that’s full of layers and love.

Simple Ingredients, Gourmet Flavor: Using pantry staples and fresh bursts like pesto and burrata makes this dish taste like you spent hours perfecting it.
Perfect Balance of Creamy and Tangy: The tomato sauce paired with pesto and cream creates a luscious sauce that’s never too heavy.
Easy Weeknight Meal: Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly into busy nights.
Customizable Comfort: You can tweak spice levels, swap greens, or even use different cheeses to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a special role, combining to create a creamy, flavorful pasta that feels indulgent without being complicated. Let me share a few tips on picking the best elements to make your dish truly shine.

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: The ridges and tubes hold onto the sauce beautifully, giving you a great bite every time.
Olive oil: Use a good quality for searing the chicken—it adds depth and helps keep the meat juicy.
Chicken breast: Diced evenly so it cooks quickly and stays tender in the sauce.
Italian seasoning & garlic powder: These give the chicken a savory base and warmth that complement the pesto and tomato sauce.
Red pepper flakes: Just a touch to add a little kick without overpowering the dish.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Their rich, chewy texture contrasts nicely and adds intense tomato flavor.
Garlic: Fresh and minced, it brings essential aromatic brightness to the sauce.
Tomato sauce: The base creating that tangy, savory quality that pairs beautifully with pesto.
Pesto: Brings herby freshness—choose a vibrant basil pesto for maximum flavor.
Light cream: Perfect for creaminess without weighing the dish down.
Roasted red peppers: Sweetness and a little texture to balance the creaminess.
Fresh spinach: Wilts into the sauce, adding color and a mild, green flavor.
Burrata: The crowning glory—melts quickly adding a rich, milky creaminess that feels like a treat.

📝

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

One of the things I love most about this creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you like a little extra heat or prefer swapping in something green other than spinach, there’s freedom to play around and make it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the chicken breast for tender thighs—they stay juicy and add a richer flavor, especially if I’m in the mood for something a bit heartier.
Dairy-Free: You can skip the cream and burrata, or use coconut cream and a dollop of vegan cheese to keep that creamy vibe.
Added Crunch: Toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top really elevate the dish for special dinners.
Seasonal Twist: In the fall, roasted butternut squash makes a fantastic addition to the sauce for sweetness and richness.

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 Just Right

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Salt is key here; it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook the rigatoni per the package, usually 10-12 minutes until just al dente. Don’t forget to save about a cup of that pasta water before you drain—it’s liquid gold for loosening the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle on Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes without stirring too much—that helps it develop a great crust. Toss and cook for another 2 minutes until nearly cooked through.

Step 3: Build Your Sauce

To the chicken, add garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Pour in the tomato sauce, pesto, and light cream. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—this helps all the flavors meld without breaking the sauce.

Step 4: Add Veggies and Pasta

Stir in chopped roasted red peppers and fresh spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts down (about 2 minutes). Now, toss in the drained rigatoni and mix until every piece is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Plate and Top with Burrata

Scoop the creamy pesto chicken pasta onto your plates and top each serving with half a ball of burrata. As soon as you cut into it, that beautiful creamy center blends into the pasta, making each bite heavenly.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make this creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe shine and take the stress out of weeknight cooking. These small touches make all the difference in flavor and texture.

Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t skip this—it acts like magic when your sauce feels too thick. Just a splash adds silkiness.
Don’t Overcook Chicken: Sear until just cooked to keep it juicy, then let it finish in the sauce instead of drying out.
Use Fresh Minced Garlic: It gives a brighter flavor compared to pre-minced or powders, but add it later in the cooking to avoid burning.
Fresh Burrata on Top: It’s a small luxury that transforms the whole dish—don’t substitute with shredded mozzarella if you can avoid it.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, a scattering of torn basil leaves for an herbal pop, and sometimes a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to add a glossy finish. A little grated Parmesan on the side never hurts either.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly, balancing the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or a warm focaccia are also welcome sides if you want something to soak up every last bit of that creamy pesto tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner guests or special occasions, I like serving this pasta in rustic bowls topped with a burrata ball that guests can break themselves—it’s a fun interactive way to enjoy the meal. Adding a few edible flowers or roasted cherry tomatoes on top adds a vibrant touch, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamy pesto chicken pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to restore that silky sauce texture without drying it out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta successfully, but I recommend omitting the burrata beforehand. Freeze the pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Slowly reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. This step brings back the fresh, creamy texture and keeps the chicken tender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is great for holding the sauce, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle will work just as well—all those shapes trap the creamy goodness beautifully.

What can I substitute for burrata if I can’t find it?

Mozzarella balls or fresh mozzarella work as a substitute, though the creamy center of burrata is unique. Adding a dollop of ricotta can also mimic that creamy texture on top.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and skip the burrata or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The pesto should be checked as some store-bought varieties contain cheese.

How spicy is this creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe?

The recipe includes a small amount of red pepper flakes to add a gentle warmth without making it spicy hot. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe is that satisfying, cozy meal that never gets old for me. Whether it’s a quick weeknight treat or a special occasion, the combination of fresh pesto, tangy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and that melt-in-your-mouth burrata topping is a winning team. I really hope you give this one a try—you’ll not only enjoy every bite but feel like you’ve cooked something seriously special, even on a busy day.