Easy Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Fusilli Noodles

Recipe and photos by Abbie Guerrero , food blogger and creator of Savvy with Abbie. All photos original.

Pesto Pasta with Fusilli Noodles

Creamy, cheesy, and shockingly, a light option - this Chicken Pesto Pasta turned out way better than I expected. I made it last night for Jace and I, and it instantly earned a spot in our dinner rotation. Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A healthy, flavorful dinner made with fusilli noodles, tender chicken, and a creamy pesto sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta served with fusilli noodles and topped with mozzarella cheese.
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with tender chicken, melted mozzarella, and herby pesto sauce - light, flavorful, and satisfying.

• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Serving size: 3-5
• Total cook time: 20-30 minutes
• Family friendly: Yes, my teen and I both loved it
• Serving suggestions: Pair it with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or roasted veggies, and you've got a full meal that feels anything but basic

Why You Will Love This Pesto Pasta

This pasta is light, fresh, and totally satisfying. I used healthier ingredients to make it a guilt-free meal that my entire family loved. I hope you give it a try and love it as well! 

Inspiration Behind This Pesto Pasta

This is another healthy, flavor-packed recipe from Alese, and even though I don't use pesto often, I found it extremely satisfying and caught myself going back for more. I was looking for a chicken recipe that was unique - something I haven't made before, and I found what our family was needing.

Customize This Recipe To Your Liking

I swapped in fat-free mozzarella and gave fusilli noodles a try for the first time - they were perfect for soaking up all that cheesy, herby goodness. 

If You Enjoy Pasta Recipes, You May Also Want to Try These

Ingredients for Pesto Pasta with Fusilli Noodles

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  • *1/2 box of fusilli noodles
  • 2 chicken breasts (fully cooked, we cooked ours on the stove for 4-5 minutes per side with seasonings)
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp basil pesto
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • Sprinkle of red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (fat free)
  • Dried Oregano

Note: For extra creaminess, reserve 2–3 tablespoons of pasta water and add it to the sauce if it thickens too quickly. If your pesto is very strong or salty, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta which includes noodles, chicken, mozzarella, and cheese
Simple ingredients for creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta - fusilli noodles, juicy chicken, mozzarella, and parmesan for the perfect meal.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Pasta (Step-by-Step)

✓ Step #1: Cook the pasta – Boil the fusilli until just al dente, following the package time.

✓ Step #2: Cook the chicken breast – While the pasta is cooking, cook chicken breasts on the stove according to your liking. Set aside. Once the pasta is done, drain and set aside.  

Cooked chicken ready to be added to pasta
Pan-seared chicken cooked to perfection - ready to be sliced and added to the creamy pesto pasta.

✓ Step #3: Remove chicken – Once chicken is done cooking in a pan on the stove, remove from the pan and use the same pan to cook the sauce. 

✓ Step #4: Make sauce – On medium heat, melt butter and pesto. Add garlic powder and stir together. Pour in heavy cream and heat until bubbly - this should only be a few minutes. 

✓ Step #5: Combine pasta and sauce – Pour the sauce on top of the noodles and stir until noodles are covered.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with fusilli noodles
Cheesy, creamy pesto sauce coating fusilli noodles - a delicious, healthy twist on classic comfort food.

✓ Step #6: Add to plate and serve – Add to a plate, top with chicken and mozzarella cheese. Plate it up and dig in while it’s still warm and creamy!

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta served with fusilli noodles and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Finished Chicken Pesto Pasta topped with melted mozzarella and fresh herbs - perfect for weeknights or dinner guests.

How to Store and Reheat

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 2 minutes or until warm.

What Did You Think?

Did you try this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta? I’d love to know what you thought - leave a comment below!

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