Savor the rich, comforting flavors of this Chicken Alfredo Pesto Pasta that brings together creamy indulgence and herby freshness. Toss tender pasta with juicy, seasoned chicken, velvety Alfredo sauce, and vibrant basil pesto for a dish that feels both cozy and gourmet. Layer the flavors so every bite bursts with creamy, cheesy goodness and aromatic pesto notes. Serve it for an easy weeknight dinner or dress it up for a special occasion—it’s a recipe that satisfies every craving.

Enjoy more alfredo based recipes with my Alfredo Meatballs and Turkey Alfredo Lasagna Rollups. Change up the flavor profile and add in brocoli to make my Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo for a delicious dinner idea!

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Ingredients
Substitutions
Instructions
Storage
Recipe

Ingredients

Find below the list of ingredients to make my Chicken Alfredo Pesto Pasta.

Penne Pasta
Garlic Cloves
Red Onion
Chicken Breasts
Alfredo Sauce
Basil Pesto
Parmesan Cheese
Fresh Chives

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions

Protein swaps:

Replace chicken with shrimp, scallops, or salmon for a seafood twist.
Use turkey breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Try tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken for a vegetarian option.

Pasta alternatives:

Swap traditional pasta for whole wheat, chickpea, or lentil pasta for extra fiber and protein.
Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb variation.

Sauce Alternatives:

Make a batch of my Cottage Cheese Alfredo sauce for more protein
Use different types of pesto to change the flavor

Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta as per the directions on the package, or until al dente. Keep 1 cup of pasta water to help thin out the sauce.

Someone mincing garlic on a wooden cutting board.

Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Someone cutting thin sliced of chicken breast on a plastic cutting board.

Cut the chicken breasts in slices or cubes, making sure they are even pieces for better cooking.

Red onions and garlic cooking in a large skillet.

Heat a large non-stick skillet on medium up. Drizzle in about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add in the garlic and onion. Cook until the onions are translucent.

Slices of chicken cooking in a large skillet.

Add the pieces of chicken bread to the pan. Cook while stirring until no longer pink on the outside.

Someone adding pesto to alfredo sauce in a large pan.

5. Pour the alfredo sauce and the pesto in the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Keep cooking for 7-8 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked.

Someone adding cooked pasta to a large skillet of chicken alfredo sauce.

6. Add the cooked pasta and the grated parmesan to the skillet and stir it in the sauce. Pour in a little bit of pasta water to thin out the sauce, as it will thicken once it starts to cool.

Storage

Store the Chicken Alfredo Pesto Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing, as the creamy Alfredo sauce can separate and lose its smooth texture.

Recipe