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Creamy chicken pesto pasta

Creamy chicken pesto pasta
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Creamy chicken pesto pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, and a rich cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce & Flavorings

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh pesto sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta & Garnish

  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water.
  3. Make the creamy pesto sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to warm. Add a generous amount of fresh pesto sauce, stirring to combine into a smooth, velvety sauce.
  4. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and fold in the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if necessary. Finish by sprinkling Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
  5. Serve and garnish: Transfer the creamy chicken pesto pasta to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a perfect finishing touch.

Notes

  • Fresh pesto matters: Using freshly made or high-quality store-bought pesto makes a huge flavor difference.
  • Don’t overcook pasta: Al dente texture helps the sauce cling beautifully without becoming mushy.
  • Reserve pasta water: Perfect for adjusting sauce consistency and adding natural starchiness.
  • Control creaminess: Adjust heavy cream quantity to suit your preference without overpowering pesto.
  • Rest the chicken: Let cooked chicken rest briefly to retain juicy tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, pesto, creamy pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/creamy-chicken-pesto-pasta/