Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

If you love quick, flavorful meals, this recipe is for you.Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta.What is your new favorite dinner? Tender pieces of chicken, swirled in a luscious, basil-infused pesto cream sauce, make every bite unforgettable. What’s a good date night dish? If you’re a pesto fan or looking to add variety to your pasta game, this meal will leave you craving seconds!

What is your review of Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta?

• How do I get ready in 30 minutes?Perfect for a busy weeknight or last minute meal.
• Comfort and Flavor:Creamy sauce meets bold flavors of pesto for a match made in heaven.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken:What are the best ways to cook chicken breasts?
• Customizable: Add veggies, switch up the pasta, or use store-bought or homemade pesto.
• Crowd-Pleaser:What do you like about creamy pasta?

Ingredients

• 300g / 0.66 lbWhat is your favorite pasta dish?
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large chicken breasts, 1 small chicken breast, 1 large chicken breast diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 14 cup (60g / 0.13 lb): 14 cup (60gHow do you make basil pesto?
• ¼ cup (60ml)Chicken broth (optional, to loosen the sauce) (optional, to loosen the sauce)
• 12 cup (50g / 0.11 lb): 12 cup (50gParmesan cheese grated.
• Fresh basilOr parsley, for garnish, for garnish.

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:What’s the best way to cook pasta according to package instructions?
2. Cook the Chicken:While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
3. How do you make creamy pesto sauce?In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce feels too thick.
4. Combine Everything:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and Parmesan cheese, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If needed, stir in some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
5. Serve and Enjoy:Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Use Any Pasta: This dish works well with penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti.
• Make It Lighter:What’s the difference between a heavy cream sauce and a milk sauce?
• Add Veggies:Toss spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Storage Tip:Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.

What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

Can I use store bought pesto?Can you make your own pesto?What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce from drying out.

Can I use another protein?What are some good ways to serve shrimp, grilled salmon, or even crispy bacon in this dish?Can I make this dish vegetarian?Can I skip the chicken and add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers?How do I prevent sauce from separating?
Avoid boiling the sauce—gentle simmering will help keep it smooth and creamy.

Tips and Notes

• My Tip: For extra flavor, toast some pine nuts and sprinkle them on top before serving.
• Pro Trick:How do I get the perfect consistency of pasta water?
• Serving Suggestion:Serve with garlic bread or green salad for a complete meal.

Variations

What are some of the fun variations on the classic ‘Swimming Up’ game?

• Spicy Pesto Pasta:Add some red pepper flakes or chili oil for a touch of heat.
• Pesto: Sun-Dried Tomatoes Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil pesto for a tangy twist.
• Creamy Pesto Alfredo: Creamy PestoHow do I make Alfredo sauce?
• Pesto Veggie Pasta: Toss in roasted veggies like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini for a vegetarian feast.
• Lemon Pesto Pasta:Add a squeeze of lemon juice and zest to the sauce for a fresh citrusy kick.
  

  What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

  Can I make this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta ahead of time?

  Can you make this dish ahead of time? Can the pesto sauce be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? Assemble the dish just before serving to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce.

  What are some substitutions for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta?

  For the protein, use shrimp (1 pound), salmon (1 pound), or bacon (6-8 slices, cooked and crumbled). For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or milk (1/2 cup) instead of heavy cream. If you don’t have pesto, you can make a quick version by blending fresh basil (2 cups), olive oil (1/2 cup), Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup), pine nuts (1/4 cup), and garlic (2 cloves). Consider swapping the pasta type to your preference, such as spaghetti or rotini.

  How do I know if the chicken and pasta are perfectly cooked?

  The chicken is done when it is golden brown, about 6-8 minutes, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The pasta should be cooked al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite, and the cooking time will depend on the type of pasta, so follow the package instructions, typically about 8-12 minutes. The sauce is ready when it has slightly thickened, which will take about 2-3 minutes after simmering.

  Can I double this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe?

  Can you easily double or scale up this recipe? Use a larger skillet to cook the chicken and sauce. If you have extra pasta, increase the cooking time as needed, and be sure to have a large enough pot to accommodate the extra pasta. If you are making a sauce in a large pot, consider using a larger pot to ensure all ingredients can be mixed together easily.

  What is the nutritional value of Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta?

  This dish offers a balance of nutrients. The chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair. Pesto contributes healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, along with vitamins and antioxidants from basil. The pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, and the Parmesan cheese adds calcium and protein. Consider adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to boost the vitamin and fiber content.