Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Hey there, pasta lovers! Today, we’ve got a deliciously creamy and comforting dish for you – Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta. This flavorful recipe combines tender chicken, rich pesto sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that’s sure to impress. So, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne, rotini, or farfalle)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh basil or parsley
We’re using a combination of pasta, chicken, and creamy pesto sauce for a satisfying and flavorful dish. Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different pesto variations, like sun-dried tomato or spinach!
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the prepared pesto and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined and the cheese has melted.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy pesto sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve your Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Variations & Substitutions
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or dietary-friendly alternative.
- Add a handful of baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sun-dried tomatoes to the dish for extra flavor and color.
- Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce.
And that’s all there is to it! This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is an easy-to-make and incredibly tasty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner with friends. Enjoy!
Creamy Pesto Chicken and Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta such as penne, rotini, or farfalle
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup prepared basil pesto
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the prepared pesto and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined and the cheese has melted.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy pesto sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve your Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.
