Print

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Chicken Pesto Pasta, a quick and creamy dish that transforms weeknight dinners into gourmet experiences. This recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with al dente penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich basil pesto sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings or a romantic date night at home. With the added richness of heavy cream and parmesan cheese, each bite is a comforting embrace of Italian-inspired goodness. Serve it up with a fresh salad or warm garlic bread for a meal that will impress your family and friends alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto

Instructions

  1. Season chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Boil salted water in a medium pot, add penne pasta, and cook until al dente.
  3. In a non-stick skillet, heat olive oil and cook seasoned chicken until golden brown.
  4. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water then drain the pasta.
  5. Stir drained pasta into the skillet with cooked chicken, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
  6. Gradually add reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired sauce consistency.
  7. Off heat, mix in basil pesto and garnish with additional cheese and fresh basil.

Nutrition

Keywords: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. Use homemade pesto for a fresher taste or opt for quality store-bought versions.