Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender grilled chicken with a velvety pesto cream sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, it’s a quick yet impressive meal packed with Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
Water for boiling
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup basil pesto
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Chopped basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
2. Pat chicken dry and rub with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest and slice.
3. In the same skillet, add heavy cream and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Stir in pesto and Parmesan cheese. Thin with pasta water if needed. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to combine and heat for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce. Not recommended for freezing due to the cream base.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pesto pasta, pasta with pesto sauce, quick chicken dinner