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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

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A fast and flavorful dish featuring succulent chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and al dente penne pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh basil pesto
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water or chicken broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh spinach (optional)
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your chicken: Pat dry and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  3. Boil your pasta: Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water for 9-11 minutes until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. Sauté the aromatics: Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Create the sauce: Add heavy cream, pesto, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until combined.
  6. Combine everything: Slice chicken and add to the skillet with drained pasta and reserved water, stirring to coat.
  7. Finishing touches: Optional add-ins like cherry tomatoes or spinach can be added for freshness.

Notes

Serve with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Great with crusty bread!

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta, chicken, pesto, quick meal, creamy recipe

Find it online: https://peakplatter.com/minute-creamy-chicken-pesto-pasta-busy-families/