Looking for a quick yet delicious dinner idea? This creamy pesto chicken pasta hits all the right notes. With its vibrant flavors and comforting texture, it’s not just another meal – it’s a delightful escape into the world of easy pesto pasta recipes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just cooking for yourself, this dish is bound to impress.
If you enjoy the combination of chicken and pesto, you’re in for a treat. This recipe combines tender chicken with a luscious creamy pesto sauce, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of chicken and pesto recipes. Plus, it’s a great option for those seeking healthy pasta recipes that don’t compromise on taste.
A Deliciously Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
This creamy pesto chicken pasta is a delectable blend of al dente pasta, succulent chicken, and a rich pesto sauce, resulting in a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
The taste showcases a delightful medley of herbaceous basil, nutty parmesan, and the savory goodness of chicken, all beautifully wrapped in a creamy sauce. This combination not only satisfies the taste buds but also serves as a wholesome option among healthy pasta recipes.
Cooking the Pasta to Perfection
Choosing the right pasta is essential for this dish. Options like penne or fettuccine work especially well, as they hold the creamy sauce nicely. In a large pot, salted boiling water awaits the pasta, which should be cooked according to package instructions until it reaches al dente texture.
Once cooked, draining the pasta is key to ensuring it doesn’t become overly soft. Setting it aside allows you to focus on creating the luscious sauce that will envelop the pasta within moments.
Sautéing the Chicken
The chicken brings a delightful heartiness to the dish, and using pre-cooked chicken saves time. Sautéing it in olive oil over medium heat enhances its flavor while warming it through. This step is crucial in elevating the overall taste profile of the creamy pesto chicken pasta.
As the chicken heats, the savory aroma fills your kitchen, hinting at the comforting meal that’s about to unfold. The chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces that blend seamlessly with the pasta.
Creating the Creamy Pesto Sauce
The real magic happens when the heavy cream and pesto sauce are combined. Pouring them into the skillet with the chicken allows for a rich, flavorful sauce that thickens gently. The vibrant green of the pesto adds visual appeal, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Stirring the sauce until well combined ensures that every bite of pasta gets coated in this delectable mixture. The addition of grated Parmesan cheese at this stage takes the creaminess to another level, providing a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
Bringing It All Together
Once the sauce thickens, it’s time to introduce the cooked pasta into the skillet. Tossing everything together creates the ideal creamy pesto pasta experience, ensuring that each strand of pasta is enveloped in the rich sauce.
As the final touch, seasoning with salt and pepper brings out the flavors beautifully. If you enjoy colorful presentations, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and halved cherry tomatoes adds a fresh pop of color to the dish.
Serving and Enjoying
When plating your creamy pesto chicken pasta, an elegant white bowl beautifully contrasts the vibrant colors of the dish. A fork resting beside the bowl invites diners to dive into this delightful creation.
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that combines the convenience of easy pesto pasta recipes with the richness of chicken and pesto recipes. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests at a gathering, this creamy pesto pasta will leave an impression that lingers long after the last bite.
A Deliciously Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
This creamy pesto chicken pasta is a delectable blend of al dente pasta, succulent chicken, and a rich pesto sauce, resulting in a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
The taste is a delightful medley of herbaceous basil, nutty parmesan, and the savory goodness of chicken, all wrapped in a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine work well)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for freshness)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken and sauté for a few minutes until heated through.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce, stirring until well combined. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Finish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and halved cherry tomatoes if desired. Enjoy your creamy pesto chicken pasta!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 650kcal
- Fat: 40g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
