Chicken Pesto Pasta

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

This recipe is a flavorful and easy weeknight meal that combines juicy chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and al dente pasta.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces dry pasta (penne, farfalle, or rotini recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup half and half (or heavy cream)
  • ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional)

Cooking Guide:

  1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
    4.     Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Whisk in the liquids: Pour in the half and half (or heavy cream) and bring to a simmer. Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two, until slightly thickened.
  5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water (a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached), and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
  6. Serve: Garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley (optional). Enjoy!

Tips:

  • Use leftover chicken: This recipe is a great way to use leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred or chop the chicken and add it to the pan in step 6.
  • Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or zucchini in step 3.
  • Adjust the pesto: Depending on the strength of your pesto, you may want to add more or less. Start with ½ cup and add more to taste.
  • Go for the full flavor: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
  • Add a protein boost: Serve the pasta with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad for a more balanced meal.

Must Tried Recipes :