Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make dish combining tender chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It's the ideal weeknight dinner, bursting with flavor from basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and cream, creating a rich and comforting meal. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting guests, this pasta is a guaranteed hit, offering a balance of protein, creaminess, and fresh, herbaceous notes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz of your preferred pasta such as penne or fusilli
- 1/2 cup of homemade or store-bought basil pesto
- 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into small pieces
- 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts for added crunch
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic minced finely
- Salt and black pepper to season
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the pasta following the directions on the package until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper for seasoning. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh basil pesto and cook for another minute.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined.
- Combine the cooked pasta and chicken in the skillet, stirring to ensure they are evenly coated in the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and top with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Pasta: You can use any type of pasta for this dish, but penne, fettuccine, or rotini are ideal choices as they hold the creamy pesto sauce well.
- Pesto: For the freshest flavor, use homemade pesto. You can use store-bought pesto as a convenient option when you're pressed for time.
- For the chicken: both breasts and thighs are great choices; just make sure to cook them until they’re golden and tender.
- Add-ins: Feel free to toss in vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a perfect touch of sharpness, but you can also use Pecorino Romano or a blend.