Description
Creamy chicken pesto pasta brings Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables with silky homemade sauce and tender chicken. Fragrant basil and parmesan create a luxurious blend that draws you into an irresistible culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
Cheese and Cream:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt
- Pepper
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, carefully setting aside half a cup of starchy cooking liquid before straining.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook until exterior turns golden brown and meat is thoroughly done throughout, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Using the identical skillet, gently sauté minced garlic until aromatic and releasing its rich flavor profile.
- Introduce pesto, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, whisking continuously until ingredients meld into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Incorporate cooked chicken and pasta into the sauce, gently folding to ensure every morsel receives an even coating of the luxurious mixture.
- Adjust sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a silky texture that clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken.
- Plate immediately while warm, scattering fresh basil leaves and optional red pepper flakes on top for an extra burst of color and subtle heat.
Notes
- Customize the pasta type to match your dietary needs, like gluten-free or whole wheat options for added nutrition.
- Keep pasta water as a secret weapon to create a silky, perfectly emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to every noodle.
- Control the sauce’s richness by adjusting cream and Parmesan ratios – less cream means a lighter dish, more creates an indulgent experience.
- Enhance protein variety by swapping chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or roasted vegetables for vegetarian and pescatarian alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg