Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this creamy chicken pesto pasta, a comforting dish that blends tender penne pasta with juicy, golden-brown chicken and a luscious pesto-infused cream sauce. Perfectly balanced with bursts of sweetness from halved cherry tomatoes and the aromatic touch of fresh basil, this recipe is a gourmet-level delight that’s effortless to prepare. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or date-night meals. Each bite is packed with creamy Parmesan richness and herbaceous pesto goodness, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it piping hot with a garnish of extra cheese and basil for a restaurant-quality presentation right at home.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Pesto sauce
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 3
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let it warm through for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6
Whisk in the pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese until a smooth and creamy sauce forms. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce, if needed.
Step 7
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
Step 8
Gently fold in the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil leaves. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm through.
Step 9
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1468.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4198.2 |
| Total Fat 254.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 101.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 15.6g | |
| Cholesterol 716.3mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4692.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 267.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 17.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 4.9g | |
| Protein 180.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 8.6IU | 0% |
| Calcium 838.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 21.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2349.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories