Gluten Free Chicken Pesto Pasta (with Basil Pesto & Dairy Free Option)

If you’re looking for a flavorful, protein-packed dinner the whole family will love, this gluten free chicken pesto pasta is about to become your new go-to pasta dish. It’s made with juicy chicken breasts, roasted cherry tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, and a rich basil pesto sauce that clings to every bite of tender gluten-free pasta.

This recipe is a holiday and weekend night go to for our family. My husband requests it often and the kids love it! It’s also super nutritious, so it’s a win win. It comes together with simple ingredients you can grab at any grocery store and it can be modified to be an easy quick meal (if you purchase store bought pesto instead of making your own). Or when you have more time you can opt to make it with fresh homemade pesto.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Packed with lean protein (thanks to 1.5 lbs of chicken)
• Naturally adaptable
• Works with homemade pesto or store-bought pesto
• Ready in about 30–40 minutes
• Easily made dairy-free with dairy-free pesto

The best part? The richness of the pesto paired with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes makes this taste like something from your favorite Italian restaurant — but it’s made right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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Roasted Tomatoes

• 10 oz cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Chicken Pesto Pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 lb organic chicken breasts (3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 8 oz gluten-free pasta (I use the Jovial brand. Penne, bow tie, or spaghetti all work great)
• ½ cup cooked shiitake mushrooms
• ¾–1 cup basil pesto sauce (you can make it homemade or use store bought)
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese (for topping)

Optional add-ins:

• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil
• Fresh mozzarella pearls or mozzarella cheese
• A squeeze of lemon juice

How to Make Gluten Free Chicken Pesto Pasta

1. Roast the Cherry Tomatoes

Preheat oven to 400°F.

In a large bowl, toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil and minced garlic. Spread them in a casserole dish and roast for about 20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the pasta recipe.

Roasting intensifies their sweetness and balances the classic pesto flavor beautifully.

2. Cook the Gluten-Free Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the water for proper seasoning.

Cook your gluten-free pasta according to package instructions or package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook — gf pasta can become mushy quickly.

Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts on a cutting board and slice each one in half horizontally for even cooking. You can also use thin-cut chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or even shredded chicken from rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. But for optimal flavor I use chicken breasts.

Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. I’ve provided general seasoning amounts but I don’t measure the salt, pepper or paprika. I recommend just using enough paprika to cover each chicken breast.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

If needed, transfer to the oven at 350°F to finish cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Remove and let rest before slicing thinly.

4. Cook the Mushrooms

In a separate pan or large saucepan, sauté the shiitake mushrooms in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until slightly browned and some of the moisture is removed.

5. Bring It All Together

In the same large skillet you used for the chicken, add:

• Cooked pasta
• Mushrooms
• Basil pesto sauce

Stir gently over medium heat until everything is coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce and create a creamy pesto sauce consistency.

Top with sliced chicken and roasted tomatoes.

Finish with:

• Freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil
• Red pepper flakes
• A squeeze of lemon juice

Serve immediately while the hot pasta is coated in that creamy sauce.

Homemade Pesto vs Store-Bought Pesto

You can absolutely use store-bought pesto for convenience. But if you want to make homemade pesto, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/2 Cup Pine nuts
• 1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive oil
• 2 Cups packed Fresh basil (or basil from your basil plants!)
• 3 Garlic Cloves
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Romano cheese
• For dairy free pesto use 2 tbsp nutritional yeast instead of cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon juice

Blend in a food processor until smooth. For more details and the entire recipe, check out my Homemade Pesto sauce recipe here!

Variations & Add-Ins

This gluten free chicken pesto pasta is very flexible:

• Add sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor
• Toss in fresh mozzarella pearls for a creamy bite
• Make it a chicken pesto pasta salad by chilling and serving cold
• Stir in a little heavy cream for extra indulgence
• Use regular pasta if gluten isn’t a concern

Health Benefits of Gluten Free Chicken Pesto Pasta Ingredients

One of the best parts of this gluten free chicken pesto pasta is that it’s made with simple, nutrient-dense ingredients that nourish your body while delivering incredible flavor.

Organic Pasture-Raised Chicken: High-Quality Protein

Organic pasture-raised chicken breasts are packed with high-quality protein to support muscle repair, metabolism, and energy levels. They also provide important nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, and selenium. While chicken isn’t the most nutrient dense form of animal protein, it can still be a nutritious way to meet your macro goals. With approximately 30–40 grams of protein per serving, this pasta dish is satisfying and balanced.

Fresh Basil: Antioxidant-Rich Herb

Fresh basil is the foundation of traditional pesto and gives basil pesto sauce its classic pesto flavor. It contains antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory compounds that support overall wellness. Using homemade pesto made from fresh basil can enhance both flavor and nutritional value.

Pine Nuts: Healthy Fats for Heart Health

Pine nuts add creaminess and richness to the pesto while supplying heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, magnesium, and plant-based iron. They also contribute to the smooth texture when blended into pesto.

Garlic: Immune and Heart Support

Garlic is known for its immune-supporting and antimicrobial properties. It contains natural compounds that may support heart health and reduce inflammation, making it both flavorful and functional.

Olive Oil: Anti-Inflammatory Healthy Fat

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that support heart health and help reduce inflammation. It also helps your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients from ingredients like basil and tomatoes.

Shiitake Mushrooms: Immune-Supporting Superfood

Shiitake mushrooms contain B vitamins and beta-glucans, which are linked to immune and gut health. They add earthy depth to this gluten free chicken pesto pasta while boosting its nutritional profile.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat:

• Add a splash of chicken broth or water
• Warm gently over low heat in a skillet

Gluten-free pasta can firm up in the fridge, so gentle reheating helps restore texture. I also add a splash of water when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! The only dairy in this entire recipe is in the pesto. So for dairy-free pesto simply omit the parmesan cheese and add in 1-2 tbsp of nutritional yeast instead. Or you can purchase dairy free pesto here!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can prep the basil pesto, roast the tomatoes, cook the chicken, and boil the pasta ahead of time. Store separately and combine when ready to serve.

What’s the best gluten-free pasta to use?

Look for high-quality gluten-free pasta made from brown rice, millet, quinoa, or a blend. My favorite brand is Jovial Pasta. Cook carefully to al dente for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This gluten free chicken pesto pasta combines roasted cherry tomatoes, juicy chicken, and the rich flavor of traditional pesto into one comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Whether you’re using homemade pesto or grabbing store-bought pesto from the grocery store, this pasta recipe is simple enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests.

If you try this recipe, let me know how your whole family liked it! And make sure to check out my gluten free spaghetti bolognese recipe as well!