Name: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (diced into bite-sized pieces); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 garlic cloves (minced); Salt and pepper (to taste); 1/2 pound penne pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup half and half; 1/2 cup basil pesto; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil (chopped)

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel like a celebration. Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken nestled amongst perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a luxurious, vibrant pesto sauce that’s both herbaceous and incredibly comforting. This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that has captured the hearts (and stomachs!) of so many for good reason. The magic lies in the simplicity and the bold, fresh taste of pesto, elevated by a creamy element that transforms it into something truly special. It’s that delightful balance of bright, zesty pesto meeting a rich, velvety sauce that makes this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta an instant crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite in my kitchen. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this incredibly satisfying meal!

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

There are some meals that just scream comfort, and for me, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is high on that list. It’s a dish that’s both elegant enough for a weeknight dinner guest and incredibly satisfying for a cozy night in. The vibrant green of the pesto, the tender chicken, and the rich, creamy sauce coating perfectly cooked pasta make for a truly delightful experience. What I love most about this recipe is how relatively quick it is to put together, making it a fantastic option when you’re craving something special but short on time. The combination of savory chicken, aromatic basil pesto, and a luscious, cheesy sauce is simply irresistible. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (diced into bite-sized pieces)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 garlic cloves (minced)

Salt and pepper (to taste)

1/2 pound penne pasta (or farfalle, rotini)

2 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup half and half

1/2 cup basil pesto (fresh or jarred)

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Fresh basil (chopped)

Cooking the Chicken

The first step to our delicious pasta is to prepare the chicken. In a medium bowl, toss your diced chicken breast pieces with the olive oil, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. This initial seasoning will infuse the chicken with wonderful flavor as it cooks. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. We want to sear the chicken to lock in its juices and develop a nice golden-brown crust. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly rather than steaming. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Preparing the Pasta

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to get our pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 1/2 pound of penne pasta (or your preferred shape like farfalle or rotini) to the boiling water. Cook according to the package directions, aiming for al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta can make the entire dish mushy, so keep a close eye on it. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold is incredibly useful for adjusting the consistency of our sauce later on. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.

Creating the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Now for the magic – the creamy pesto sauce! In the same skillet you used for the chicken (no need to wash it; those flavorful bits add character!), melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, whisk in the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This mixture, known as a roux, will thicken our sauce. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it forms a pnon-alcoholic ale golden paste and the raw flour smell disappears. This step is crucial for a smooth, lump-free sauce. Gradually whisk in the 1 cup of chicken broth, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begin extracts to thicken.

Next, pour in the 1 cup of half and half. Stir well to combine with the broth mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until it has thickened to your desired consistency. You’re looking for a creamy, velvety texture that will coat the back of a spoon. Reduce the heat to low.

Now it’s time to add the star flavors. Stir in the 1/2 cup of basil pesto. The vibrant green of the pesto will transform the sauce. Add the 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese and the 1 cup of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are melted and fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a wonderfully rich and cheesy consistency. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that pesto and parmesan can be salty, so season cautiously.

Bringin extractg it All Together

Finally, it’s time to combine everything and create our masterpiece. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly. Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick for your liking, this is where the reserved pasta water comes in handy. Add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time, stirring until you achieve your perfect sauce consistency. The starch in the water will help the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.

Serving Your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Serve your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta immediately. Garnish generously with freshly chopped basil for an extra burst of freshness and visual appeal. This dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce. Enjoy this delightful and comforting meal!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a truly sensational Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta that is sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen! This recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich, creamy goodness and the vibrant, herbaceous punch of pesto. It’s incredibly satisfying, yet surprisingly easy to whip up for a weeknight meal that feels special enough for company. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and the luscious sauce create a symphony of flavors and textures that I know you’ll adore.

For serving, I highly recommend a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce. Feel free to get creative with variations! Add sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy element, sautéed mushrooms for extra earthiness, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of pasta – penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work wonderfully. I truly encourage you to give this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta a try; I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the sauce is best made fresh, you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and pasta gently and then toss with the freshly prepared pesto sauce.

What if I don’t have fresh basil for the pesto?

You can absolutely use good quality store-bought pesto if fresh basil isn’t readily available. It will still yield a delicious Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta! Alternatively, you could experiment with a pesto made from other greens like spinach or knon-alcoholic ale, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can! For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk or a cashew-based cream in place of the heavy cream and a dairy-free pesto. Ensure your pesto doesn’t contain Parmesan cheese. The result will be a wonderfully creamy and satisfying pasta dish.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

A quick and delicious pasta dish featuring tender chicken in a rich and creamy pesto sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
25 Minutes

Total Time
40 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (diced into bite-sized pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 garlic cloves (minced)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1/2 pound penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup half and half
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil (chopped)

Instructions

Step 1
Season diced chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 2
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 3
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
Step 4
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half and half until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5
Stir in minced garlic and basil pesto. Add parmesan cheese and cook, stirring, until melted and smooth.
Step 6
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and mozzarella cheese. Toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 7
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Dinner

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta