Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Chicken Pesto Pasta, a beloved family favorite that’s both comforting and satisfying. Tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and vibrant pesto come together in a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta, creating a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)
- fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Cook chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Add garlic.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in cream, mix in pesto and Parmesan until smooth. Simmer to thicken.
- Combine: Add pasta to the skillet, toss in sauce. Add tomatoes if desired, heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the cream and use whole wheat pasta.
- Add spinach or steamed broccoli for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
