Creamy Chicken and Pesto Pasta
Try this Creamy Chicken and Pesto Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Creamy Chicken and Pesto Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
- Carbohydrate 42.0159548144941 g
- Cholesterol 94.3597800093183 mg
- Fat 14.633972845704 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 9.79824741851625 g
- Saturated Fat 7.76103300276952 g
- Serving Size 1 1 people (103g)
- Sodium 86.3090027445494 mg
- Sugar 42.0159548144941 g
- Trans Fat 1.28788893153448 g
- Calories 339 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring a pot of water to boil and boil your pasta according to the package directions.
- While your pasta is boiling, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat and add the butter and olive oil.
- Add your chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked throughout. (Check the thickest piece to ensure it's not pink inside).
- This should take around 5-7 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the pesto, cream, and parmesan cheese.
- Add the pasta to the skillet with the chicken and stir to combine.
- Season to taste with a little more salt and pepper.
Creamy Chicken and Pesto Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal after a long day can feel like a Herculean task. But let me tell you, this Creamy Chicken and Pesto Pasta recipe is my secret weapon for weeknight dinners. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful – a perfect balance of creamy richness and fresh pesto. Forget takeout, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters (yes, even mine!).
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s not fussy, it doesn’t require a mountain of exotic ingredients, and it comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a homemade meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I often double the recipe and have leftovers for lunch the next day – talk about efficiency!
The creamy sauce is the star of the show. The combination of heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and vibrant pesto creates a luxurious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. I love to use Classico pesto, but feel free to experiment with your favorite brand or even make your own from scratch if you have the time. The chicken cooks quickly in the skillet, adding a hearty protein element to the dish. I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they’re easy to work with and cook evenly. But feel free to adjust it based on your preferences, even adding some grilled chicken if you like a smoky flavor.
This dish is incredibly versatile. You can easily add other vegetables to the mix – sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions. It’s also great for using up leftover cooked chicken, making it an even more convenient meal. I often throw in some cherry tomatoes at the end for an extra burst of freshness and color.
Beyond its deliciousness and ease of preparation, this Creamy Chicken and Pesto Pasta is incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling nourished and energized, without weighing you down. The perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats ensures it’s both filling and nutritious. This is not your average pasta dish; this is comfort food elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness.
I find that this recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables or chicken. I also love to add a side salad to make it a complete and balanced meal. And for those who want to make it a bit healthier, you can always use a lighter cream or even swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to personalize the recipe to your liking. This Creamy Chicken and Pesto Pasta is more than just a recipe; it's a weeknight savior, a crowd-pleaser, and a testament to the fact that delicious, satisfying meals don't have to be complicated.
This recipe is a regular in our household, and I hope it becomes a staple in yours as well. So next time you're searching for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner, give this Creamy Chicken and Pesto Pasta a try. You won't regret it! It's a taste of comfort and simplicity that perfectly fits into even the busiest lifestyles. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta make for a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
