Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a comforting and flavorful Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy pesto sauce. Perfect for family dinners and weeknight meals, this recipe is easy to make and customizable with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and basil. The creamy sauce made from heavy cream, basil pesto, and Parmesan cheese provides a luscious texture that coats every bite, making this pasta a satisfying and delicious choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the basil pesto and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes if using and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use whole wheat pasta.
- Add spinach or steamed broccoli for extra vegetables and nutrition.
