Chicken Pesto Penne
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this creamy, flavor-packed Chicken Pesto Penne! Tender penne pasta is perfectly coated in a luscious basil pesto and heavy cream sauce, then tossed with juicy, golden seared chicken breast for a protein-rich, satisfying bite. Elevated with the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic, this dish is finished with a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a subtle kick and fresh basil for a pop of herbaceous brightness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy yet elegant recipe is ideal for busy evenings or casual entertaining. Serve with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home. Perfect keywords: chicken pesto penne, creamy pesto pasta, easy weeknight dinner, chicken pasta recipe.
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Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 pieces chicken breast
- 120 grams basil pesto
- 120 milliliters heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 5 pieces fresh basil leaves
- 3 liters water
Directions
Step 1
Bring 3 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the penne pasta, then cook according to the package instructions (typically 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 4
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Finely mince the garlic cloves and sauté them for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream. Mix well until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
Step 6
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly to incorporate. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 7
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
Step 8
Gently fold in the sliced chicken and sprinkle with red chili flakes for a slight kick.
Step 9
Serve the Chicken Pesto Penne garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan on top for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (4017.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3198.3 |
| Total Fat 150.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 49.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 3.8g | |
| Cholesterol 399.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4376.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 307.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 5.8g | |
| Protein 147.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1115.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 18.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2116.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories