Chicken Pesto Spaghetti

There's something wildly comforting about a bowl of pasta that smells like fresh basil and garlic before you even sit down. This Chicken Pesto Spaghetti hits that sweet spot between easy weeknight dinner and “we definitely tried” energy, without dragging you into a sink full of dishes or complicated steps.

What makes this one special is how balanced it is. Tender chicken, glossy pesto, and spaghetti that actually holds onto the sauce instead of letting it slide off. It's hearty without being heavy, fresh without feeling fussy, and exactly the kind of chicken pesto pasta you'll want on repeat when you're bored of red sauce but not in the mood to reinvent dinner.

What Makes This Recipe So Good (And Worth Making Again)

• The chicken is seasoned properly before it hits the panwhich means it holds its own against the bold pesto instead of tasting like an afterthought.
• The pesto coats the spaghetti instead of drowning itgiving you big basil flavour without turning the dish oily or overwhelming.
• Everything comes together in under 30 minutesmaking this chicken pesto pasta recipe ideal for weeknights that need comfort food fast. If you enjoy hearty pasta dinners like this, you might also love a rich lamb ragu tossed with pappardelle.
• It's flexible without being vagueso you can dress it up for guests or keep it simple for a lazy dinner without losing flavour.

What Goes Into Chicken Pesto Spaghetti

This Chicken Pesto Spaghetti keeps things simple with fresh, vibrant flavours and pantry staples. A few quality ingredients are all you need to make this pasta shine.

• Spaghetti: The good base for soaking up all that herby basil pesto. You can use any pasta shape you love.
• Grilled Pesto Chicken: Juicy chicken breasts seasoned with pesto add protein and depth, turning this into a complete meal.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness, they balance the richness of the pesto and bring colour to every bite.
• Basil Pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, pesto is the star of this dish, coating the pasta with fresh garlic, herb, and nutty parmesan flavour.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

Add Ins And Swaps If You're Feeling Creative

Want to switch things up without breaking the recipe? These work beautifully and are not already in the base dish.

• Sun Dried Tomatoes: Add a sweet tang that cuts through the richness of the pesto.
• Toasted Pine Nuts or Walnuts: A little crunch goes a long way and makes the dish feel restaurant level.
• Spinach or Rocket: Tossed in at the end, it wilts perfectly and adds a fresh green note.
• Lemon Zest: Brightens everything up without turning it into a lemon pasta.

On the stove

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook spaghetti in a large pot of well salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

1. Coat the Chicken: Smother chicken fillets with about 2 tablespoons basil pesto per breast. Season with salt and pepper.

1. Grill Option: Preheat a barbecue plate, grill pan, or skillet over medium high heat. Cook chicken 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through, then grill tomatoes until softened and lightly browned.

1. Oven Option” Preheat oven to 350°F | 180°C and line a baking dish with foil. Bake chicken for 30 minutes, add tomatoes around the fillets, then bake 20 minutes more until chicken is no longer pink.

1. Toss the Spaghetti: Add remaining pesto to the cooked spaghetti with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss over low heat until glossy and well combined.

1. Slice and Serve: Slice chicken and arrange over the spaghetti with the tomatoes. Spoon over a little extra pesto and finish with freshly grated parmesan.

Chicken Pesto Spaghetti pairs perfectly with a side of Garlic Cheese Bread or a melty Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese. For something lighter, a crisp Greek Salad adds freshness, while Creamy Pumpkin and Spinach Soup with Crispy Bacon brings cozy comfort to the table.

Pro Tips From Someone Who's Made This Too Many Times

• Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing so it stays juicy when mixed through the pasta.
• Always save pasta water. A splash or two helps the pesto coat the spaghetti smoothly instead of clumping.
• Warm the pesto gently. High heat dulls the basil flavour and can make the sauce taste flat.
• Grate your cheese fresh. Pre grated cheese does not melt as nicely and can dull the final texture.

Recipe FAQ's

Yes, while spaghetti is classic, you can make this chicken pesto pasta recipe with penne, linguine, or even zoodles for a lighter option.

Both work beautifully. Homemade pesto adds a fresher flavour, but a good quality store-bought pesto makes this pesto spaghetti with chicken extra quick and convenient.

Reserve a little pasta water and toss it through the spaghetti with the pesto. It helps create a silky sauce that clings to every strand.

What you need

• 14 ounces spaghetti dry weight, or pasta of choice
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 4 grilled pesto chicken breasts use this recipe
• 17 ounces cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup homemade basil pesto or store bought pesto
• 1 pinch parmesan cheese freshly grated, to serve

Method

1. Boil spaghetti according to packet directions in salted water. Drain; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Meanwhile, cook pesto chicken and tomatoes using this recipe.
3. Add pesto mixture to the cooked spaghetti with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss over low heat until well combined. Divide amongst serving bowls. Slice chicken breasts and arrange over the spaghetti. Top with parmesan. Serve warm.