Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

I recently whipped up a delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta that quickly became one of my favorites. Featuring tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, fragrant garlic, and a creamy blend of pesto and Parmesan, this dish is both vibrant and satisfying. It combines pantry staples in a fresh way that invites you to enjoy every bite.

I recently tried a twist on a classic favorite that I just had to share. Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is one of those dishes that just hits the spot after a busy day.

I used 12 oz of my fav pasta, like penne, and 1 lb of tender, bite-size chicken pieces, all prepped with a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper for that extra kick. I lightly browned the chicken in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and added 3 minced garlic cloves for a punch of flavor.

Then, I stirred in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup basil pesto, and a splash of 1/2 cup chicken broth to create that smooth, luxurious sauce. To finish it off, I tossed in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Its creamy consistency and rich basil taste makes it one of the best chicken pasta recipes I’ve ever made, especially if you’re into healthy pesto dishes that are super delicious. Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it comes together really fast so i can make it even on a busy day. I also love how the creamy sauce with pesto and Parmesan gives the pasta a rich, cheesy flavor that is super satisfying. Another reason is that the chicken is cooked just right with garlic which makes the dish taste hearty and delicious. Lastly, i appreciate that it uses things i usually have in my pantry so it doesn’t feel like an extra hassle to prepare.

Ingredients

• Chicken provides lean protein, creating a savory, juicy base for hearty, flavorful pasta sauce.
• Pasta deliver essential carbohydrates, offering energy and satisfying texture throughout every bite.
• Olive oil ctributes heart-healthy fats and rich taste, enhancing overall dish complexity.
• Garlic adds a mild spice and numerous health benefits, balancing flavors perfctly.
• Heavy cream provides silky, creamy texture that enriches sauce while offering indulgnt flavor.
• Basil pesto brings a fresh, herbaceous zing that lifts and brightnes the overall dish.
• Parmesan cheese adds salty, savory depth while imparting a nutty, satisfing finish to each forkful.
• Chicken broth infuses moisture and savory depth, merging flavors for a comfortin meal.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz pasta (like penne or fusilli)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

How to Make this

1. Start by boiling water in a large pot and cook 12 oz of your chosen pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. Season 1 lb of bite-size chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

4. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and cooked through.

5. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute, making sure they don’t burn.

6. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

7. Lower the heat and mix in 1 cup of heavy cream along with 1/2 cup of basil pesto, stirring well to combine all the flavours.

8. Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens a little.

9. Once the sauce is creamy and well-mixed, add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated.

10. Taste your dish, adjust the salt and pepper if needed, then serve hot and enjoy your creamy chicken pesto pasta!

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot to boil water and cook the pasta
2. A colander to drain the pasta after it cooks
3. A large skillet for browning the chicken and making the sauce
4. A sharp knife for cutting the chicken and mincing garlic
5. A cutting board for preparing the chicken and garlic
6. Measuring cups and spoons for the olive oil, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese
7. A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the ingredients in the skillet
8. A stove to provide the heat needed to cook everything

FAQ

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Heavy cream: You can swap it for half and half or even coconut milk if you want a slight twist to the flavor
• Basil pesto: Try using sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach basil blend instead for a different kick
• Chicken broth: If you don’t have this on hand, vegetable broth works fine as a substitute
• Parmesan cheese: You might wanna use Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano which adds a similar yet unique taste

Pro Tips

1. Try marinating your chicken with a bit of olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper for about 15 minutes before frying it so that it turns out juicier and more flavorful later on

2. When you add the broth in, make sure you really scrape the bottom of the pan to get all those tasty browned bits into your sauce – its a trick that really ups the flavor

3. Keep a close eye on the garlic so it doesn’t burn. If it cooks too fast its bitter and ruins the sauce so add it at just the right time after the chicken is mostly done

4. Dont rush tossing the pasta with the sauce – let it sit on the heat for a minute or two so it absorbs all the creaminess and becomes even more delish