Creamy Pesto Chicken and Pasta
Indulge in the rich, savory goodness of Creamy Pesto Chicken and Pasta, a quick and comforting weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor. Tender, pan-seared chicken breasts are paired with al dente penne pasta, all enveloped in a luscious pesto-infused cream sauce made with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic for aromatic depth. This one-pan dish is elevated with the addition of fresh basil pesto and a sprinkle of parsley for a restaurant-quality meal in just 40 minutes. Perfectly balanced with a hint of chicken broth for added richness, it’s a satisfying, family-friendly recipe that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Whether you're looking for a hearty pasta dish or a way to wow guests with minimal effort, this creamy pesto pasta with chicken will surely become a household favorite.
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Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
Step 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Step 4
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
Step 6
Add the heavy cream and pesto to the skillet, whisking until the sauce is smooth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to slightly thicken.
Step 7
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 8
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a small amount of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 9
Gently fold in the sliced chicken, ensuring it is well distributed throughout the pasta.
Step 10
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1413.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4110.2 |
| Total Fat 243.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 87.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 635.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6644.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 268.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 16.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 4.1g | |
| Protein 196.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 3.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1337.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 18.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1941.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories