Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken Pesto Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that will transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen. This creamy pasta, featuring tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and juicy cherry tomatoes, is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. With its rich flavors and delightful aroma, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing/Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from skillet.
- 2. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a pot. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- 3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, lower heat and add heavy cream. Stir in pesto sauce until combined.
- 4. Combine: Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Add pasta and mix well, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- 5. Add extras: Fold in cherry tomatoes and basil leaves, warming through for another minute.
- 6. Serve: Plate the pasta mixture, topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 155mg