Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick and satisfying dish that elevates simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. With tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and rich cream enveloping your favorite pasta, this meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready in just 30 minutes, it promises to impress family and friends alike. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and aromatic basil for a delightful finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add heavy cream and stir in pesto sauce; let simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Combine cooked pasta with creamy sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat.
- Slice the rested chicken breasts and add on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (290g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, swap chicken for shrimp or mushrooms. - Customize by adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat with a splash of cream.