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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

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A comforting and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken and vibrant basil pesto for a delightful meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (about 10.5 ounces total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3.5 ounces baby spinach (optional, for extra nutrition)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne or rigatoni, and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Whisk in the Pesto: Once the cream mixture is heated, whisk in the basil pesto until combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency.
  5. Add Cheese and Spinach: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. If using baby spinach, toss it in now, allowing it to wilt. Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet and mix well.
  6. Combine with the Pasta: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture, ensuring every bite is coated with creamy sauce. Add pasta water if necessary.
  7. Final Touches: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the skillet briefly to melt the cheese.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding lemon juice before serving or incorporating vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken pasta, pesto pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, Italian recipe

Find it online: https://basilboard.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-pasta-2/