Description
This creamy pesto pasta dish features tender, cheesy chicken and crispy garlic bread, making it a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for garlic bread)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for garlic bread)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the chicken and cover the skillet to let the cheese melt. Set aside once melted.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until it starts to thicken, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until fully combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- To prepare garlic bread, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet.
- Brush bread slices with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve the creamy pesto pasta topped with cheesy chicken and a side of garlic bread. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
