why make this recipe
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and comforting pasta all in one bowl. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend meal. It is quick to prepare, requires minimal cooking skills, and boasts a rich, satisfying flavor that even the pickiest eaters will love. Additionally, it’s a great way to incorporate more greens into your meal with fresh basil in the pesto.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can use any type of pasta you prefer, and you can adjust the creaminess to your liking. It’s a fantastic choice for family dinners, potlucks, or even romantic dates at home.
how to make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Making Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is easy and straightforward. Follow these steps to create a delicious meal that will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients :
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne, farfalle, or your favorite type)
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions :
Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, add your chosen pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl.
Prepare the Chicken:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, lower the heat and add the heavy cream.
- Stir the cream gently, scraping any brown bits left from the chicken. This adds flavor to your sauce.
- Add the basil pesto and mix well. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, just enough to heat through. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed.
Combine Everything:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it to the pasta, along with the halved cherry tomatoes.
- Gently toss everything together until combined and heated through.
Serve:
- Remove from heat and serve immediately. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
how to serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
To serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, place a generous portion on a plate or in a bowl. Finish with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine or sparkling water can be a lovely addition to make the dining experience even more special.
how to store Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
If you have leftovers, storing Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is quite simple:
- Cool the Pasta: Allow the pasta to cool completely at room temperature to prevent condensation inside the storage container.
- Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the pasta into an airtight container. Make sure to include any extra sauce to keep the pasta moist.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover pasta, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may want to add a splash of cream or milk to restore some creaminess.
tips to make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Pasta Choice: Choose a pasta shape that holds onto the sauce well, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
- Pesto: You can use store-bought pesto for convenience, or make homemade pesto using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil for a more vibrant flavor.
- Additional Veggies: Consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Creaminess Level: Adjust the amount of cream used based on your preference for a creamier or lighter sauce.
- Chicken Substitutes: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace chicken with shrimp or tofu. Both will work wonderfully with the pesto sauce.
variation
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, here are some variations to try:
- Pasta Primavera: Add a combination of fresh vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or peas. Sauté them with the chicken for a nutritious twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a spicy version of this dish.
- Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for cooked sausage or grilled shrimp. Both will work beautifully with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Cheese Lovers: For a cheesier version, add mozzarella or goat cheese to the pasta just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works great in this recipe and saves a lot of time. Look for a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
2. Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta?
While you can freeze it, creamy sauces sometimes don’t thaw well. If you plan to freeze, consider leaving out the cream and adding it after reheating.
3. What can I serve alongside Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
4. How can I make this dish lighter?
To make this dish lighter, you can use whole-grain pasta, reduce the amount of cream, or substitute with a light cream alternative.
5. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pesto and cook the chicken ahead of time. Combine everything just before serving to ensure the pasta stays fresh and doesn’t become soggy.
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
A delightful dish combining tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and comforting pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne, farfalle, or your favorite type)
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, add your chosen pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, lower the heat and add the heavy cream.
- Stir the cream gently, scraping any brown bits left from the chicken to add flavor to your sauce.
- Add the basil pesto and mix well. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, just enough to heat through. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it to the pasta, along with the halved cherry tomatoes.
- Gently toss everything together until combined and heated through.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
You can use any type of pasta you prefer, and adjust the creaminess to your liking. Adding additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers is also a great option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta, pesto, creamy pasta, easy recipe