Best Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Quick and Flavorful Recipe

Why You’ll Love Best Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This creamy chicken pesto pasta is ready in just about 30 minutes, making it the perfect dish for busy evenings.

• Delicious Sauce: The sauce is a luscious blend of creamy goodness, garlic, parmesan, and basil pesto. It’s rich in flavor and perfectly coats the pasta.

• Versatile: This dish works with any pasta you love. Whether you prefer spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, it will turn out just as delicious.

• Protein-Packed: The addition of chicken makes this a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• Olive oil

• 1 chicken breast

• Flour (optional, for a golden crust)

For the sauce and pasta:

• Pasta of your choice

• Olive oil

• Garlic cloves

• Heavy cream

• Black pepper

• Fresh lemon juice (and optional lemon zest)

• Basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

• Freshly grated parmesan cheese

• Salt, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Before draining, reserve a bit of pasta water to help adjust the sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

To ensure even cooking, flatten the chicken breast using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides with salt and pepper, and optionally dust with flour to achieve a golden crust. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken until browned on both sides and fully cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add a little more olive oil. Sauté the garlic gently until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and season with black pepper and fresh lemon juice. For an extra kick of flavor, add some lemon zest.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Pesto

Stir in the parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the cream. Once the cheese has melted, add the basil pesto, stirring to combine. The sauce will become rich, creamy, and infused with the fresh, herby flavors of the pesto.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the creamy pesto sauce until it is well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce cling to the pasta.

Step 6: Serve

Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces and serve it on top of the creamy pesto pasta. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh basil for added flavor.

Tips and Variations

• Add Veggies: For extra color and nutrition, add sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli to the pasta.

• Alternative Proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken, try using shrimp, turkey, or even a vegetarian protein like grilled tofu.

• Change the Pesto: While basil pesto is the classic choice, you can experiment with other pesto varieties such as sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for a unique twist.

• Cheese Variations: If you don’t have parmesan, try using other hard cheeses like pecorino or asiago for a slightly different flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating

This creamy chicken pesto pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a pan over low heat and add a little extra cream or pasta water to bring the sauce back to life.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken pesto pasta is the perfect dish to prepare when you’re craving something comforting and flavorful. The combination of tender chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and your favorite pasta will quickly become a household favorite. With a cooking time of just about 30 minutes, this meal is ideal for busy nights when you want something special without a lot of effort. Enjoy!