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A bowl of creamy chicken pesto pasta garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan, steaming with a rich and flavorful sauce.

Easy Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Meal

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Discover the deliciously creamy and flavorful Easy Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, a perfect weeknight meal ready in minutes. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, and rich cream for a satisfying dinner that pleases the whole family. Simple to make and packed with flavor, it’s your new go-to recipe for busy evenings.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
  • Cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the basil pesto, mixing thoroughly to create a flavorful, creamy sauce.
  4. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat with the pesto cream sauce. Then, incorporate the cooked pasta, tossing everything together evenly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor—homemade or quality store-bought.
  • Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after combining with the sauce.
  • Adjust the cream and pesto quantities depending on how creamy and flavorful you like your dish.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Nut-Free, Vegetarian Option Available

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • Calories: 550 Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Find it online: https://spoonella.com/easy-creamy-chicken-pesto-pasta-a-quick-delicious-weeknight-meal/