Description
A rich and flavorful creamy chicken pesto pasta made with tender chicken, basil pesto, cream, and parmesan tossed through perfectly cooked pasta for an easy and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and stir in the pesto and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix well.
- Add the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and sprinkle with chili flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen and emulsify the sauce.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother sauce texture.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra flavor.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for variation.
- Best served immediately while creamy and hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
