Description
A rich and flavorful creamy chicken pesto pasta made with tender chicken breast, basil pesto, garlic, cream, and parmesan tossed through perfectly cooked pasta for an easy yet impressive dinner.
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 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 the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside if needed.
- In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the pesto and parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan. Toss well to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Simmer for another 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve immediately topped with extra parmesan, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce texture.
- Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and thin the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and color.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- 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: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
