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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Cozy Dinner in 25 Minutes

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken and al dente pasta in a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Pasta Any pasta shape works, such as penne or fettuccine.
For the Chicken
  • 2 cups Diced Chicken Adds protein and substantial texture; shrimp or tofu are great substitutions.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing, enhancing flavor; avocado oil or butter can also work well.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; adds aromatic punch to the dish.
  • 1 cup Pesto Sauce Brings vibrant flavor and color; consider sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream Creates a rich, creamy sauce; half-and-half for lighter or coconut cream for dairy-free.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated; substituting with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast is perfect for a vegan option.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 12 ounces of your preferred pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cups of diced chicken, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, allowing them to sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Reduce the heat further and mix in 1 cup of pesto sauce, stirring for about 2 minutes until aromatic and heated through.
  5. Gradually pour in ½ cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly. Cook on low heat for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  6. Add the cooked pasta and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, tossing everything to ensure an even distribution of the creamy sauce. Let simmer for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  7. Plate your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, garnishing with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Serve immediately while hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding cream or pasta water as needed to restore creaminess.

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