Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy chicken pesto pasta—a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious basil pesto sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe promises to be a family favorite. The aromatic blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil creates an unforgettable culinary experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. **Cook the Chicken**: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat and slice into strips.
- 2. **Cook the Pasta**: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 3. **Sauté Garlic**: In the same skillet used for chicken, add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
- 4. **Make the Sauce**: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and combined.
- 5. **Combine Everything**: Add sliced chicken, cooked pasta, and basil pesto into the skillet. Toss gently to coat and heat through for another minute.
- 6. **Serve**: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg