Parmesan Pesto Pasta with Chicken
Creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting, Parmesan Pesto Pasta with Chicken is a dish that effortlessly combines gourmet flair with weeknight simplicity. Tender, golden-brown slices of seared chicken breast crown a bed of al dente penne, all tossed in a rich basil pesto sauce infused with heavy cream and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese for a velvety finish. Juicy cherry tomatoes add pops of color and freshness, while fragrant fresh basil completes this elegant yet easy-to-make meal. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or meal prep, this recipe brings together the bold flavors of Italian-inspired cuisine in just 40 minutes. Ideal for pasta lovers searching for a quick and satisfying dish, this savory creation will become a household favorite with its vibrant flavors and hearty textures.
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Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 0.5 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 0.25 cup fresh basil (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Step 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then slice into thin strips.
Step 3
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 before draining.
Step 4
In the skillet where the chicken was cooked, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium-low heat. Stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream, mixing well to create a smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the pesto sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 6
Add the sliced chicken and cherry tomatoes to the pasta, gently tossing to combine all the ingredients.
Step 7
Serve the Parmesan Pesto Pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1152.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2909.5 |
| Total Fat 125.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 35.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 405.4mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4021.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 265.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 17.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 5.8g | |
| Protein 177.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 3.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 752.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 19.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2187.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories