Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Rich & Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Celebration of Flavor 🎉

ByAkim
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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Transform your dinner with this creamy pesto chicken pasta that combines tender chicken, homemade pesto, and a luxurious cream sauce. Whether you’re craving classic pesto pasta or looking for the perfect chicken pesto recipe, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

This creamy pesto pasta elevates the classic pesto pasta with succulent chicken and a silky cream sauce. Our chicken pesto recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. If you love traditional pesto pasta but want something more substantial, this creamy pesto chicken pasta is your answer.

Ingredients 🛒

For the Pasta and Chicken:

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta ingredients
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta ingredients
  • 1 pound fettuccine or penne pasta 🍝
  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 pound) Or your Leftover Chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces 🍗
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil 🥑
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced 🍜
  • 1½ cups heavy cream 🍽️
  • ½ cup chicken broth 🍲
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving 🥝
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • Salt and black pepper to taste 🧢

For the Pesto:

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed 🌿
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🥝
  • ⅓ cup pine nuts (or walnuts) 🥜
  • 3 cloves garlic 🍜
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 🥑
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧢

Instructions 📋

Make the Pesto:

  1. Combine basil, Parmesan, nuts, and garlic in a food processor. 🎡
  2. Pulse until coarsely chopped. 🍆
  3. With processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil. 🍼
  4. Season with salt and pepper. 🧢
  5. Set aside. 🔢

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. 🍶
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions. 🍝
  3. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. 🎠
  4. Drain pasta and set aside. 🍜

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. 🧢
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 🍽
  3. Cook chicken until golden and perfectly cooked through (6-8 minutes). 🔥
  4. Remove chicken and set aside. 🍗

Make the Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 🍜
  2. Add heavy cream and chicken broth. 🍲
  3. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. ⌛
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. 🥝
  5. Add pesto and stir to combine. 🌿

Combine and Serve:

  1. Add cooked pasta to the sauce. 🍝
  2. Return chicken to the pan. 🍗
  3. Add cherry tomatoes. 🍅
  4. Toss everything together, adding pasta water if needed. 💪
  5. Adjust seasoning to taste. 🧢
  6. Serve with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. 🌿

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Pesto Pasta 💡

  • For the freshest pesto pasta, use vibrant basil leaves and premium olive oil. 🌿
  • Elevate your chicken pesto recipe by toasting the pine nuts to unlock deeper flavors. 🔥
  • Save some starchy pasta water to ensure your creamy pesto chicken pasta achieves the perfect silky texture. 🍜
  • For a lighter twist, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream without compromising richness. 🤋
  • Make extra pesto to freeze for future dishes or creative recipes. 🍒

FAQs About Chicken Pesto Pasta ❓

Q: Can I use store-bought pesto for this creamy pesto pasta? A: Yes! Opt for ¾ cup of high-quality store-bought pesto to save time without sacrificing flavor. ⏳

Q: How do I store leftover chicken pesto pasta? A: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream to revive its velvety sauce. 🍽

Q: Can I make this pesto pasta vegetarian? A: Absolutely! Skip the chicken and swap in vegetable broth. Add hearty vegetables for a delectable meat-free version. 🍆

Q: What’s the best pasta shape for chicken pesto recipes? A: Fettuccine, penne, or fusilli are excellent choices as they grip the creamy pesto sauce beautifully. 🍝

Nutrition Information (per serving) 🍽

  • Calories: 780
  • Protein: 32g 💪
  • Carbohydrates: 65g 🌿
  • Fat: 45g 🍒
  • Fiber: 3g 🌱

Storage Instructions 📦

  • Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days. ⏳
  • Freeze pesto separately for up to 3 months. 🌐
  • When reheating, add a splash of cream to restore sauce consistency. 🍽

Master this creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe once, and it will become your go-to comfort meal. Whether you’re making simple pesto pasta or this enhanced chicken pesto recipe, the key is using quality ingredients and following our detailed instructions for the perfect result every time. 🍒🍗

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