Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe (Instant Pot)
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Pesto chicken pasta is quick and easy but doesn’t skimp out on flavor! Make this one pot meal in 20 minutes with simple, fresh ingredients. You’ll be obsessed over the texture and flavor of the noodles and creamy pesto sauce! It’s the ultimate pasta dish recipe!
Tender bites of meat, perfectly cooked noodles, and a creamy sauce create a dish that boasts a beautiful symphony of Italian flavors.
Whip out this recipe for dinner on a busy weeknight or make a meatless version as a side dish for any of your grilled favorites.
This is one simple recipe that the whole family will love and it’s the perfect way to fill bellies at the end of a long day.
Gather the simple ingredients needed to make this simple pasta recipe from the grocery store! It’s a great way to combine juicy chicken with creamy pesto pasta and one of my favorite ways to feed the family.
Check out my other instant pot recipes, including savory pork chops with gravy and extra creamy mac and cheese!
Or, try some different takes on pesto chicken pasta like this chilled potluck pleaser or one that includes tortellini and tomatoes.
Table of Contents
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
You’ve been warned. This creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe is one of the best recipes for busy weeknights.
The tender chicken paired with the cooked pasta makes the perfect, easy recipe.
I’m a huge fan of making a homemade version for good pesto, but no stress if you don’t have time.
Keep this recipe card handy for an easy dinner option full of flavor. The simple ingredients make it a breeze to make!
Pesto Chicken Pasta – Ingredient Notes
- Noodles – Use any long, thin variety like spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair.
- Poultry – I like to use tenders to cut down on prep time. Feel free to substitute boneless, skinless breast or thigh meat if you prefer.
- Basil pesto – The classic herbal flavors really shine in this dish, but a sun-dried tomato version would also be delicious. Our homemade Basil Pesto is amazing in this recipe.
- Water – Don’t forget this! It’s absolutely crucial to ensure that both the meat and spaghetti are thoroughly cooked.
- Bullion cubes – These really enhance the other herb flavors in the dish. If you prefer, replace these and the water with broth or stock instead.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken pesto pasta can be a bit heavy, so pair it with lighter sides like green salad, roasted veggies, or seasonal fruit.
It’s also delicious with focaccia or your favorite crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce!
FAQ - Common Recipe Questions
Absolutely! To do this, you will need to cook the noodles and sauce separately.
Boil spaghetti in a large pot of salted water. Drain and set aside when done.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Saute the meat with salt and bullion cubes until it is no longer pink.
Stir in the half and half and cream cheese until the mixture starts to thicken.
Add the cheese and pesto, then continue stirring until melted and smooth.
Pour the sauce over the noodles, garnish, and enjoy!
Leftovers will stay fresh in a sealed container for up to one week.
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk and extra cheese as needed. Be sure to stir frequently to ensure it is evenly heated throughout.
Of course! If you don’t have your own recipe, simply combine the following ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
fresh basil
pine nuts
Parmesan cheese
olive oil
lemon juice
garlic
sea salt
You can add so many fun flavors! Cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, fresh spinach, grated parmesan, artichoke hearts, and garlic cloves are anything else that you want in this great recipe.
I like to vary the ingredients for the occasion. For date night, I’ll add a side dish of garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. I also like to let everyone add toppings that they want to their own individual servings as well.
A bit of mozzarella cheese or diced fresh tomatoes and Italian seasoning are great options for each person to have to add to their servings.
When you have an amazing recipe that is this good, letting everyone add what they want to their bowl or plate for their own personal consumption is a fun way to change things up!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe (Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces chicken tenderloin, cut into 1” cubes
- 16 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1” cubes
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Using the sauté function on your instant pot, melt your butter.
- Add the water, half and half, salt, and chicken bouillon cubes to the melted butter and give a quick stir.
- To your water mixture, add your pasta, cubed chicken, and cubed cream cheese. Gently mix/push down on these ingredients until they are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Place the lid on your pressure cooker and pressure cook your pasta mixture on high for 6 minutes.
- Perform a quick release.
- Once your quick release is finished, open your instant pot and add your mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and pesto. Stir until homogeneous.
- Garnish your pasta with extra salt, some olive oil, or some fresh basil, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published July 2021, updated and republished March 2025
Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
I just made this for dinner and it was SO good. Very simple recipe for how flavorful it is!