Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

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The Creamy Chicken and Pesto Pasta recipe is a testament to the joy of home-cooked meals, combining succulent chicken, silky pesto-infused sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a beloved classic that stands out for its harmonious blend of flavors, making any ordinary night special. This dish not only satisfies the palate but also invites personal touches to make it uniquely yours.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

30 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 4.

Ingredients

  • Penne pasta, 400g (14 oz)
  • Chicken breasts, 4 (approximately 500g or 1.1 lbs total)
  • Basil pesto, 120g (4.2 oz)
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, 100g (3.5 oz)
  • Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, 100g (3.5 oz)
  • Heavy cream, 240ml (8 fl oz)
  • Olive oil, 2 tablespoons (30ml)
  • Garlic, minced, 2 cloves
  • Salt, 1 teaspoon (5g)
  • Black pepper, 1 teaspoon (2g)
  • Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon (15g)
  • Pasta water, reserve 1 cup (240ml) as needed
  • Optional for serving: extra Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes

Method

  • Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook penne pasta until al dente, about 11-14 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes each side. Set aside to rest before slicing into pieces.
  • In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil pesto. Cook over low heat until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  • Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings as desired.

This Creamy Chicken and Pesto Pasta recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken, flavorful pesto sauce, and pasta that promises to elevate any dinner into a special occasion. Its rich, creamy texture combined with the freshness of basil and the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes makes it a must-try dish. Perfect for those who appreciate the joy of a hearty, home-cooked meal.

Nutritional Information (Approx)

  • Calories: 650
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g

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