why make this recipe
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is an easy and delicious dish that is perfect for any weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce combined with pesto gives a rich flavor that everyone will love. Plus, it is a great way to use up some chicken and pasta in your pantry. Whether you are cooking for yourself or a family, this dish is sure to please.
how to make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce; stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
how to serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta hot. You can plate it up by adding a generous amount of the pasta to a bowl and then topping it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. This makes the dish look bright and inviting.
how to store Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
To store Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, let it cool down completely. Then transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it, but the texture may change when reheated.
tips to make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh basil in addition to the pesto for extra flavor.
- Try adding some cherry tomatoes or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Cook the chicken until it is golden brown for better flavor.
variation
You can easily make a vegetarian version of this recipe by using tofu or vegetables instead of chicken. You can also try different types of pasta, such as whole wheat or gluten-free, to suit your diet.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works great in this recipe. It saves time and is very convenient.
2. How can I make this recipe lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. You can also use less pesto if you prefer a milder flavor.
3. Can I add other proteins to this dish?
Absolutely! You can use shrimp or salmon as an alternative to chicken if you like seafood. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
An easy and delicious dish perfect for any weeknight dinner, featuring a rich creamy pesto sauce combined with pasta and chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Poultry
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce; stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
Use fresh basil in addition to pesto for extra flavor. Try adding cherry tomatoes or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
