Description
Looking for a delicious, family-friendly dinner option that comes together in no time? This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is your answer! With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious basil pesto sauce, this dish captures the essence of comfort food while being quick to prepare. In just about 30 minutes, you can serve up a meal that feels gourmet without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this creamy pasta is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table. Plus, it’s easily customizable—add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 cups cooked chicken (grilled or sautéed)
- 3/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil and grated parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the cooked chicken. Sauté until lightly browned and heated through, then remove from the pan.
- In the same skillet, add the reserved pasta water and heavy cream. Stir gently until warmed through but do not boil.
- Return the drained pasta and sautéed chicken back into the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in the basil pesto until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve hot topped with fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg