Description
Savor Mediterranean flavors with Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, a delightful blend of tender chicken and aromatic basil sauce. Perfectly balanced ingredients create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasoning and Cheese:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish and Optional Add-ins:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring a perfect al dente texture. Carefully drain, preserving a half cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Generously season chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same skillet to create a luxurious sauce. Combine heavy cream and vibrant pesto, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and develops a silky consistency.
- Reintroduce the cooked chicken pieces into the creamy sauce. Gently fold in the prepared pasta, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated with the aromatic sauce.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, gradually incorporating reserved pasta water to achieve a perfect, velvety texture that clings deliciously to the pasta.
- Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by scattering fresh basil leaves and halved cherry tomatoes across the surface. Serve immediately while the pasta remains piping hot and the sauce is at its most luxurious.
Notes
- Use high-quality pesto for the most vibrant flavor and authentic taste.
- Reserve pasta water strategically to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
- Toast chicken gently to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy texture.
- Consider gluten-free pasta options for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the dish remains deliciously accessible.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg