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Creamy Homemade Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Homemade Chicken Pesto Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that combines the richness of creamy sauce with the vibrant flavors of fresh pesto and tender chicken.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium Chicken Breasts About 1 pound total.
  • 12 ounces Pasta Your choice of pasta, such as penne or fettuccine.
  • 1 cup Pesto Sauce Homemade or store-bought.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream For a creamy consistency.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra virgin.
  • Salt and Pepper To taste.
  • 1 handful Fresh Basil For garnish.

Instructions

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine.
  • Next, add the pesto sauce to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
  • By now, the pasta should be cooked. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
  • Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce and chicken. Toss gently to combine.
  • Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and evenly distributed.
  • Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • To serve, plate the Creamy Homemade Chicken Pesto Pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.