Indulge in a delightful creamy chicken pesto pasta recipe featuring juicy chicken, flavorful pesto, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Author:Sandy
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup pesto sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and pesto sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix well. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy pesto sauce.
Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh pesto for the best flavor.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra vegetables.