Irresistible Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe to Delight

The moment you take a bite of creamy chicken pesto pasta, your taste buds will dance with joy. The rich creaminess, the aromatic basil, and the tender chicken create an irresistible symphony that will leave you dreaming about seconds. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.

Picture this: a cozy evening with friends gathered around the dinner table, laughter filling the air as they dig into this comforting dish. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weekday meal or a fancy dinner party. Trust me; once you make this creamy chicken pesto pasta, it will quickly become your go-to recipe for impressing loved ones. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

I still remember the first time I served this dish to my family. Their eyes lit up with excitement, and I swear I heard them whispering about how they could become professional food critics.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts for optimal tenderness; feel free to adjust based on your crew’s appetite.

• Fresh Basil Pesto: Store-bought is fine if you’re in a pinch, but homemade really elevates the dish.

• Heavy Cream: This brings the “creamy” in creamy chicken pesto pasta; don’t skimp on quality!

• Pasta of Choice: I recommend fettuccine or penne; they hold onto the sauce beautifully.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds depth; avoid pre-grated cheese for maximum flavor.

• Olive Oil: A good drizzle helps sauté the chicken and brings out its flavor.

• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic packs a punch; choose firm cloves for best results.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those beautiful flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

First things first: Gather your ingredients like you’re preparing for battle because we’re about to create magic in the kitchen.

Cook Your Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining for later use.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and let it shimmer. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides and no longer pink inside — about 6-7 minutes per side should do it.

Add Garlic Magic: Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet. In that same skillet (don’t wash it yet), throw in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant — about 30 seconds should have you breathing in heavenly aromas.

Combine Creamy Goodness: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with garlic and stir well. Bring it to a gentle simmer while scraping up any delicious bits stuck at the bottom — those are flavor gold!

Toss Everything Together: Add cooked pasta back into the skillet along with sliced chicken and pesto. Mix everything together until well coated; if it seems too thick, add reserved pasta water bit by bit until you reach desired creaminess.

Finish with Parmesan Bliss: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and luscious. Taste for seasoning — add more salt or pepper if needed — then serve hot garnished with extra cheese or basil if you’re feeling fancy!

Now that you have our creamy chicken pesto pasta perfected let me tell you: every single person at your dinner table will be asking for more! Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first for that golden crust, then boil the pasta while preparing your luscious pesto sauce. This sequence ensures everything is perfectly timed and bursting with flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add in seasonal veggies like zucchini or cherry tomatoes. These tweaks can elevate your creamy chicken pesto pasta to new heights.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to maintain the sauce’s luscious consistency.

It’s funny how this recipe became my go-to for impressing guests. One time, I made it for a dinner party, and everyone kept asking if I was secretly a chef. Spoiler alert: I’m not!

FAQ

Can I use store-bought pesto for creamy chicken pesto pasta?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto can save time while delivering delicious flavor.

What type of pasta works best with this recipe?

Fettuccine or penne are perfect choices as they hold onto that creamy sauce well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance but store sauce separately until ready to serve.

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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

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• Author: Lena
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant basil, and rich cream for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe is both easy to make and impressively delicious. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup fresh basil pesto
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Add heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer while scraping up any bits from the bottom.
5. Return cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, along with pesto. Mix until well-coated; add reserved pasta water gradually if needed.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as desired before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 400g)
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 115mg