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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Indulge in the delightful harmony of flavors with this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, a one-pot meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces dried pasta (penne)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breasts cut into ¾ – 1 inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup basil pesto

Instructions

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta - Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve a cup of pasta water for later use.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Chicken - While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  • Step 3: Make the Sauce - In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Step 4: Add the Pesto and Cheese - Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and basil pesto. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  • Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Step 6: Serve and Enjoy - Serve your delicious Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta immediately, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet

Notes

For the best flavor, use high-quality basil pesto. You can make your own or use a store-bought variety that you trust. Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth.