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
Scale
- 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