Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious creamy pesto sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering with friends and family. The creamy pesto elevates the dish, giving it a rich and savory flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add Pasta: Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy water can be used to adjust the sauce consistency later.
4. Drain: Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season Chicken: While the oil heats up, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
3. Sauté Chicken: Add the chicken to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
4. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce

1. Add Cream: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine with the chicken and garlic.
2. Incorporate Pesto: Add the basil pesto to the skillet and stir until the sauce is well combined.
3. Add Parmesan: Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Season: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy chicken pesto sauce.
2. Toss Together: Gently toss the pasta in the sauce until it is fully coated. If you’re adding spinach or cherry tomatoes, fold them in at this stage. The heat from the pasta will wilt the spinach and warm the tomatoes.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the Pasta: Serve the creamy chicken pesto pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Optional Garnish: For an extra touch, drizzle a little more olive oil over the top or sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

1. Homemade Pesto: For an even more flavorful dish, consider making your own pesto. Blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
2. Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream. However, keep in mind that the sauce may be less rich and creamy.
3. Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for added flavor and nutrition.
4. Protein Alternatives: This dish works well with various proteins. You can substitute chicken with shrimp, salmon, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove and add freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover creamy chicken pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish can also be frozen. However, the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing. To freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to help restore creaminess.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a versatile and comforting dish that can easily become a staple in your home. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, but it can also be dressed up for special occasions. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta creates a meal that is not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor.

Yield: 4

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious creamy pesto sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering with friends and family. The creamy pesto elevates the dish, giving it a rich and savory flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
• Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently.
• Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

4. Combine Pasta and Chicken:

• Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in the creamy pesto sauce. If using, add the cherry tomatoes and stir gently to combine.

5. Serve:

• Serve the creamy chicken pesto pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Pasta Options: You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, rotini, or spaghetti.

Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.