Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant basil pesto tossed with pasta. It’s a comforting meal that comes together quickly.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in pesto and Parmesan cheese until combined and creamy.
- Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine, using reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep option.
- Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a variation in flavor.
- Add steamed broccoli or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Can be made with gluten-free pasta if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg