There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of creamy chicken pesto pasta wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: tender chicken simmering in a rich, velvety sauce, surrounded by perfectly cooked pasta, all dressed in vibrant green pesto. It’s like an Italian vacation on your dinner plate, inviting you to take a bite and just forget the world for a moment. Cooking this dish is not just about feeding the body; it’s about warming the soul. For more inspiration, check out this perfect for lunch recipe.
I remember the first time I made creamy chicken pesto pasta for my friends. Their eyes widened as they took their first bites, and let me tell you, there were no leftovers that night! This delightful dish shines during cozy family dinners or festive gatherings, where laughter mingles with delicious flavors. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving seconds and maybe even thirds! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy chicken pesto pasta is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The harmonious blend of flavors creates a burst of deliciousness in every bite
- With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, this dish will impress anyone at your dinner table
- It’s versatile enough to customize with seasonal veggies or proteins of your choice
I served creamy chicken pesto pasta at my last family gathering, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about it.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts for a hearty meal; adjust based on appetite.
Pasta of Choice: I recommend penne or fettuccine; they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Pesto Sauce: Fresh basil pesto elevates this dish; homemade or store-bought works wonders.
Heavy Cream: This is the secret to that luxurious creaminess; don’t skimp on quality.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds depth—always better than pre-grated options.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch; it’s essential for flavor enhancement.
Olive Oil: A splash of good olive oil helps sauté the chicken to golden perfection.
Salt and Pepper: Season generously to enhance all those delightful flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
First things first: let’s get cooking!
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Add Garlic and Cream: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—before pouring in heavy cream. Stir well as it begins to bubble.
Mix in Pesto Sauce: Lower the heat and add your beloved pesto sauce into the cream mixture. Stir continuously until well combined; watch as it transforms into a gorgeous green delight that smells heavenly.
Cook Your Pasta: Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to save a cup of pasta water before draining! It helps adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
Toss Everything Together: Slice the seared chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with your creamy pesto sauce. Add drained pasta along with some reserved water if needed for desired consistency. Toss gently until everything is coated beautifully.
Finish with Parmesan Cheese: Finally, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving! Let it melt slightly into that luscious sauce for extra flavor.
Now dig in! You’ve just created creamy chicken pesto pasta that would make any Italian grandmother proud!
This recipe isn’t just food—it’s comfort served on a plate that brings people together. So grab your fork and dive into rich flavors while enjoying each moment spent around the table!
You Must Know
- This creamy chicken pesto pasta is a delightful balance of flavors
- The dish not only nourishes your body but also warms your soul
- The vibrant green pesto and tender chicken make every bite a celebration, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy pesto sauce for a smooth and efficient cooking experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance flavors and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect creamy chicken pesto pasta, use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor
- Avoid overcooking the pasta to keep it al dente
- Always taste and adjust seasoning for a personal touch that elevates the dish
Sharing this dish with family always brings back memories of laughter-filled dinners and compliments that I can still hear echoing in my kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto saves time without sacrificing flavor in your creamy chicken pesto pasta.
What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine or penne hold onto the sauce beautifully, making each bite deliciously creamy.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free options available at most grocery stores today.
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the luscious flavors of creamy chicken pesto pasta, where tender chicken meets vibrant green pesto and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make dish transforms any meal into a delicious Italian getaway, perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. With its rich aroma and delightful taste, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and slice.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir until it begins to bubble.
- Mix in Pesto: Lower the heat, then add the pesto sauce to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until well combined.
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine: Return sliced chicken to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Add drained pasta; mix gently while adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Serve: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing/Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (280g)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
