Delicious Comfort Dish: Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Delicious Comfort Dish: Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta features tender chicken pieces in a rich, creamy basil pesto sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make, satisfying meal combines fresh herbs and simple ingredients to create a comforting dinner ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for any weeknight or casual occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free Option (use gluten-free pasta)
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or rotini recommended)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep and Cook the Chicken: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about half a cup of pasta water.
- Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and stir in the fresh basil pesto. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat with the sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Cook for another minute to meld all flavors together.
Notes
- Use freshly made pesto if possible for enhanced flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to ensure it holds the sauce well.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and maintain creaminess.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Finish the dish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: creamy pesto chicken pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, basil pesto, creamy pasta, quick chicken recipe
