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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and rich cream all enveloping perfectly cooked pasta. This quick-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at gatherings. With its luscious sauce and colorful presentation, Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta transforms every dinner into a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add heavy cream and pesto; stir well.
  4. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss everything together until coated in the creamy sauce and heated through.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: - For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with grilled vegetables or shrimp. - Add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of cream or water.