Description
Homemade creamy chicken pesto pasta delivers Italian comfort with elegant simplicity. Fragrant basil and tender chicken combine in a quick weeknight meal that delights home cooks and satisfies hungry families.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Incorporate shredded chicken into the skillet, allowing it to heat through and absorb the garlic’s fragrance for approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in rich pesto and velvety heavy cream, whisking meticulously to create a harmonious, silky sauce that combines seamlessly.
- Introduce drained pasta into the skillet, gently tumbling the noodles to ensure complete and even coating with the luxurious sauce.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese throughout the mixture, seasoning with salt and cracked black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- For a vibrant finishing touch, scatter halved cherry tomatoes and delicate fresh basil leaves across the top, creating a visually appealing presentation.
- Transfer immediately to serving plates, maintaining the dish’s optimal temperature and creamy consistency. Serve hot for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Customize the protein by swapping chicken with shredded turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
- Enhance nutrition by adding spinach, roasted vegetables, or pine nuts directly into the pasta for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Meal prep friendly: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, gently reheating with a splash of additional cream to restore sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 565 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg