Creamy Chicken Pea and Pesto Pasta
Try this Creamy chicken pea and pesto pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Creamy chicken pea and pesto pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- enough pasta for 2 people (i used strozzapreti pas
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed
- 3/4 cup fresh (or frozen) peas
- a little flour
- 125 ml single cream
- 2- generous tbsp basil pesto
- grated parmiggiano cheese to serve
- Carbohydrate 2.9925466689212 g
- Cholesterol 175.939857964153 mg
- Fat 14.3668675346635 g
- Fiber 0.0524999976158142 g
- Protein 56.2493032803517 g
- Saturated Fat 7.8946536777139 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (301g)
- Sodium 1340.2376411904 mg
- Sugar 2.94004667130539 g
- Trans Fat 1.37202376564085 g
- Calories 379 calories
Step-by-step
- Prepare the pasta in plenty of boiling salted water according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large heavy frying pan and add the shallots and garlic.
- Sauté over medium heat for a few minutes, then add the cubed chicken.
- Continue to cook until the chicken is cooked through and the onions are soft and translucent (but DO NOT brown them).
- Add the peas and continue stirring for a few minutes.
- When the peas start to soften, stir in the flour – enough so that all the liquid in the pan is absorbed. Stir constantly to prevent lumps.
- Stir in the cream a little at a time, stirring continuously, then stir in the pesto and mix well.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a few spoonfuls of the pasta cooking water.
- When the sauce has reached the desired consistency, turn off the heat, check for seasoning and add salt and pepper as necessary.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the cooking pot.
- Add the sauce to the pasta and mix well.
- Divide the pasta among two serving bowls and serve.
A Weeknight Winner: Creamy Chicken, Pea, and Pesto Pasta
As a busy working mom, finding quick and easy meals that are also delicious is a constant challenge. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and trying to squeeze in a little "me time" before collapsing into bed. So, when I discover a recipe that ticks all the boxes – simple to make, packed with flavor, and healthy enough to feel good about serving my family – I cling to it like a lifeline. This Creamy Chicken, Pea, and Pesto Pasta is one of those recipes.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients are needed. It's the kind of recipe you can whip up even on the most hectic of evenings. The creamy sauce, bursting with the fresh taste of pesto and the sweetness of peas, coats the pasta perfectly. The chicken adds a hearty protein punch, making it a satisfying meal for everyone. And, let's be honest, the ease of cleanup is a bonus! The entire process, from start to finish, takes less than 30 minutes, leaving me with more time to focus on the important things – like spending quality time with my family.
I often adapt this recipe based on what’s in my fridge. Sometimes I add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. Other times, I swap the chicken for shrimp or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. The versatility of this dish is another reason why it’s become a staple in our household. It’s a perfect canvas for experimentation and allows me to incorporate different ingredients based on my family’s preferences and what’s seasonally available.
Beyond the practical benefits, this pasta dish also satisfies my need for something comforting and delicious. After a long day, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy pasta to soothe the soul. The vibrant green color of the pesto and peas brightens up the plate, adding a visual appeal that complements the wonderful taste. It's the kind of meal that nourishes both the body and the spirit, leaving everyone feeling satisfied and content.
This Creamy Chicken, Pea, and Pesto Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple, flavorful cooking. It’s a recipe that I can rely on week after week, knowing that it will always deliver a delicious and satisfying result. And that, my friends, is priceless in the busy world of motherhood and everything else life throws my way. It’s a recipe that truly embodies the heart of home-cooked meals: love, simplicity, and a whole lot of flavor.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Let me know what you think in the comments below! Perhaps you'll discover, as I have, that it becomes a weeknight favorite in your home as well.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use heavy cream instead of single cream.
- Add some spice: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Use different pasta: Experiment with different shapes of pasta, such as penne, farfalle, or rotini.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Peas: Both work well in this recipe. If using frozen peas, add them towards the end of the cooking time so they don't overcook.
- Homemade Pesto: If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own pesto from scratch. It's surprisingly easy and tastes so much better than store-bought!
This Creamy Chicken, Pea, and Pesto Pasta recipe is a true lifesaver on busy weeknights, a delightful dish that’s both quick and satisfying. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness!
