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Chicken Pesto Pasta

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of Chicken Pesto Pasta, a dish that effortlessly combines Italian flavors with a comforting touch. Perfect for busy weeknights or romantic dinners, this quick recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. With tender chicken pieces enveloped in a luscious basil pesto sauce and complemented by sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese, this meal is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or warm garlic bread for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this Chicken Pesto Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Boil salted water in a medium pot and cook penne pasta until al dente (8-9 minutes).
  3. In a non-stick skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown (7-8 minutes).
  4. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water; drain pasta using a colander.
  5. Combine drained pasta with chicken, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes in the skillet.
  6. Stir in pesto off heat; add reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and torn basil leaves.

Nutrition

Keywords: For added flavor, use homemade pesto if possible. Customize with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. To make it low-carb, consider swapping pasta for zucchini noodles.