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Get The Product!There’s something magical about the combination of creamy chicken pesto pasta that makes your taste buds dance with joy. Picture this: tender chicken bathed in a luscious, aromatic pesto sauce, enveloped by perfectly cooked pasta. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, drawing family members like moths to a flame, and suddenly you’re the star of an impromptu family dinner show. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
This creamy chicken pesto pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that transports you straight to Italy, where every bite is like a warm hug from Nonna. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just trying to impress your roommate, this recipe guarantees to elevate any ordinary Tuesday night into something extraordinary.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy chicken pesto pasta blends ease and flavor in perfect harmony
- With just one pot involved, cleanup is a breeze
- Vibrant colors and rich aromas make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners while elegant enough for hosting guests
Cooking this dish always brings smiles and compliments from my friends, especially when I forget to save some for myself!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Pasta of Choice: I prefer fettuccine for its width, but spaghetti or penne work beautifully too.
Pesto Sauce: Store-bought works great, but homemade adds an extra touch of love.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its delightful creaminess; use full-fat for best results.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated enhances flavor and provides that classic Italian flair.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of color and sweetness; opt for ripe ones for maximum flavor.
Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful will brighten up the dish with fresh aroma and flavor.
Olive Oil: Use quality extra virgin olive oil for cooking the chicken; it adds depth to the dish.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t underestimate their power!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper before adding it to the pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes per side.
Add the Pesto Sauce: Once chicken is cooked through (no pink inside!), reduce heat and stir in your pesto sauce. Allow it to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, letting those flavors meld together beautifully.
Create Creaminess: Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously until fully combined with the pesto sauce. Let it bubble gently for another minute or two—this is where magic happens!
Toss in Pasta: Drain your al dente pasta (don’t rinse!) and add it directly into the skillet with your creamy chicken pesto mix. Toss everything together until well coated—this part is crucial!
Add Finishing Touches: Fold in cherry tomatoes and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over everything before serving. Garnish with basil leaves for that picture-perfect finish.
And voilà! You now have creamy chicken pesto pasta that could win awards on Instagram—or at least earn you some serious street cred among your friends.
In case you need variations or ideas on how to customize this recipe further: feel free to throw in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes if you’re feeling adventurous! For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.
You Must Know
- Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients
- It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
- The aromas of garlic and basil will transport you straight to Italy, ensuring every bite feels like a mini-vacation
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in moisture, then cook the pasta while preparing the luscious sauce. This sequence ensures everything is ready simultaneously for a harmonious meal.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. A sprinkle of parmesan before serving adds an irresistible touch!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To get that perfect creamy texture, don’t skip the pasta water; it’s liquid gold!
- Fresh basil makes a world of difference; consider growing your own
- Always taste your sauce before serving; small adjustments can elevate the dish tremendously
Sharing this recipe with friends always brings back memories of laughter and joy over our kitchen adventures, especially when someone accidentally spills pesto everywhere!
FAQ
Can I make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and store it in the fridge, then reheat gently before serving.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version with great flavor.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and can be easily reheated for quick meals throughout the week.
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and al dente pasta into a rich and satisfying meal. This one-pot wonder is not only easy to prepare but also impressively elegant, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its aromatic flavors reminiscent of Italy, each bite feels like a warm embrace. Get ready to elevate your dining experience with this mouthwatering recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g)
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 1 cup (240g) pesto sauce
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup (15g) fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and slice.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat and add pesto sauce. Stir for about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously until combined. Let bubble gently for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated. Fold in cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
