Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful weeknight meal that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant basil pesto in a symphony of flavors. This dish can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. With the option to use either store-bought or homemade pesto, this recipe is versatile enough to suit your taste preferences. Each serving is not only comforting but also packed with essential nutrients, ensuring it’s a family favorite that pleases even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner at home or entertaining friends, this creamy pasta dish is sure to impress with its rich taste and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1.5 lb chicken breast (skinless, boneless)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 8 oz pasta (bow-tie, penne, or fusilli)
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil and garlic in a casserole dish; roast for about 20 minutes.
- While the tomatoes roast, slice chicken breasts horizontally and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and slice thinly.
- Boil salted water in a pot; add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well.
- In the same skillet used for chicken, combine pasta with basil pesto and heavy cream over low heat until well mixed and warmed through.
- Serve topped with sliced chicken, roasted tomatoes, and optional pine nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 489
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 93mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding steamed spinach or bell peppers. Adjust the richness by varying the amount of heavy cream used. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.