I love having recipes in my collection that hit that great balance – they’re simple enough for a midweek lunch but elegant enough to offer to visitors. And this creamy chicken pesto pasta recipe is right up there as one of my all-time favorites.
The simplicity of this recipe is one of its most appealing features. It all happens in a single pan! After cooking the pasta and giving it a good drain, it heads right back into the pot. Then, in goes the rest of the magic, and voila! Dinner is served.
Another charming feature is that it makes use of readily available supermarket ingredients – a pre-roasted chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and store-bought pesto. However, when these ingredients are combined, the dish tastes as though it was created at a high-end restaurant.
Furthermore, it is a recipe with a lot of leeway. You can double up on the pesto and skip the cream for a lighter version, or omit the chicken altogether to create a hearty vegetarian main course.
Table of Contents
WHY WILL YOU ENJOY CREAMY CHICKEN PESTO PASTA?
- Experience the Vibrant Flavors of Italy: Take your taste buds on a journey to the Italian countryside with this creamy chicken pasta, featuring the earthy richness of pesto, the satisfying crunch of pine nuts, and the burst of flavour from juicy tomatoes. It’s truly a culinary masterpiece.
- Ready in Just 30 Minutes: This delightful creamy pesto pasta with chicken demands only a small investment of your time – a mere thirty minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknight dinners or whirlwind weekends when you’re on the move.
- Effortless Preparation: This pesto chicken pasta dish brings you intricate flavours without the fuss. With just a few basic cooking skills and some smart multitasking, you can saver a mouthwatering meal that looks and tastes like it took hours to create.
- An Ideal End-of-Summer Feast: This recipe is a fantastic way to make the most of basil pesto and cherry tomatoes while they’re at their peak during the waning days of summer. But the beauty is that these ingredients are readily available year-round at your local grocery store, ensuring you can relish this creamy pesto alfredo chicken pasta whenever your heart desires!
Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe Video:
Chicken Pesto Pasta Ingredients and Instructions:
Ingredients:
- 8 tablespoons of your preferred pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup basil pesto sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta:
- Put a big pot of water to a boil and season with salt.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken:
- Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are no longer pink in the centre and have a golden-brown crust.
- After removing the chicken from the skillet, set it aside for a few minutes to rest.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir, allowing it to heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce thickens and the cheese is fully melted.
- Stir in the basil pesto sauce and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the creamy pesto sauce in the skillet.
- Toss everything together until the sauce is evenly coated on the noodles and chicken.
- Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, allowing them to warm through but not overcook.
Step 5: Serve:
- Divide the creamy chicken pesto pasta among plates.
- If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavour and a touch of green.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade creamy chicken pesto pasta!
This dish serves 4 people and is sure to please at your dinner table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite pasta shape or additional vegetables for a unique twist. Bon appétit!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Serving Size: | 1/4 of the recipe |
| Calories: | 580 |
| Total Fat: | 34g |
| – Saturated Fat: | 14g |
| Cholesterol: | 120mg |
| Sodium: | 550mg |
| Total Carbohydrates: | 45g |
| – Dietary Fiber: | 3g |
| – Sugars: | 3g |
| Protein: | 28g |
Health Benefits and Considerations:
- Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Fats: This dish contains a moderate amount of fats, including saturated fats from cream and Parmesan cheese. While fats are essential for overall health, consuming them in moderation is recommended.
- Carbohydrates: Pasta supplies carbohydrates, the body’s primary energy source. opt for whole-grain pasta to increase fibre and nutrient content.
- Fiber: Although not particularly high in fibre, you can enhance it by choosing whole-grain pasta or incorporating vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
- Calcium: Parmesan cheese contributes to your calcium intake, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
- Sodium: It’s important to be mindful of sodium content, especially if you have high blood pressure or dietary restrictions. Consider using lower-sodium ingredients or reducing added salt.
- Customization: This recipe offers versatility; you can modify ingredients to align with your dietary preferences. To reduce calories and fat, consider using a lighter cream or lower-fat options. Boost nutritional value by adding more vegetables.
- Moderation: Enjoy this creamy chicken pesto pasta in moderation within a balanced diet. Portion sizes may vary, so adjust according to your nutritional requirements.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The meal contains vitamins and minerals that are needed for overall health, including as vitamin D, calcium, and iron.
Keep in mind that nutritional values can fluctuate based on ingredient choices and serving sizes. Adapting the recipe to meet your specific dietary needs and tastes is recommended.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the creamy chicken pesto pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Reheat and Reuse Instructions:
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
- Avoid Overcooking: Be cautious not to overcook when reheating to preserve the pasta’s texture.
- Creative Reuse: Repurpose leftovers by incorporating them into a frittata, wrap, or salad for a quick and tasty meal.
Enjoy the convenience, flavors, and flexibility of this delightful creamy chicken pesto pasta recipe!
NOTES ON THE RECIPE
- What exactly is pesto?
The term ‘pesto’ has an interesting origin, stemming from the Italian word for ‘to crush,’ which makes sense because it was traditionally prepared using a mortar and pestle. The authentic version, known as ‘Pesto allay Genovese,’ hails from Genoa, the capital city of the Liguria region in Italy. While it’s famously paired with cooked linguine pasta and chunks of potato, its culinary possibilities are wonderfully versatile. You can generously spoon pesto onto grilled meats, mix it into steamed beans for a delightful twist, or even swirl it into a store-bought tomato soup to elevate its flavours.
- What pasta goes best with a creamy chicken sauce?
If we were dealing with a straightforward cream sauce or classic pesto, long pasta varieties like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine would be the go-to choices. However, since our sauce features tender chicken pieces and sun-dried tomatoes, it pairs best with a shorter pasta. In our recipe, we’ve opted for penne rugate. Penne rugate has its ends cut at an angle, which not only provides a generous surface area but also, thanks to its hollow shape, offers plenty of room for the heartier components of the sauce to nestle in. Penne pasta comes in two variations: smooth and rugate, the latter meaning ‘ridged.’ These ridges not only give the pasta a sturdy texture but also allow the sauce to adhere and be absorbed more effectively.
- What is the distinction between sun-dried tomatoes and semi-dried tomatoes?
Let’s talk tomatoes! When it comes to sun-dried tomatoes versus semi-dried tomatoes, there’s a key difference: moisture content. Sun-dried tomatoes are nearly completely dried, with most of their water content removed. On the other hand, as the name implies, semi-dried tomatoes retain some of their natural juices, making them plumper and slightly juicy. These two types offer distinct qualities in terms of taste. Sun-dried tomatoes boast an intense, almost tangy tomato flavor, while semi-dried ones tend to be sweeter and milder.
You can find both sun-dried and semi-dried tomatoes available in different forms. They can be bought ‘fat-free,’ or they may be preserved in oil. If you have a choice, opt for those stored in fragrant olive oil. Many times, these oil-infused tomatoes come with added herbs, imparting even more flavour. Plus, once you’ve enjoyed all the tomatoes, you can repurpose that flavourful oil as a delightful salad dressing. Waste not, want not!
- Why do you keep the pasta water aside?
When pasta is cooking, it lets out some of its starch into the water. Here’s a neat kitchen trick: save a small amount of this starchy water, about a quarter-cup, and later mix it into the sauce. This little move works like magic to bring the sauce together. The starch, when it meets the creamy goodness of the sauce, works hand in hand. It helps the sauce blend smoothly, creating a thicker and creamier texture that’s just perfect.
- What exactly are green onions?
While we often associate green onions with Asian cuisine, here’s a handy kitchen tip: tossing in some green onions can infuse your dish with a delightful oniony flavor, no need to sauté them separately. When we mention green onions at taste.com.au, we’re referring to those slender, long ones with both green and white parts, also commonly known as shallots.
FAQ’s
Can I use store-bought pesto for Chicken Pesto Pasta?
Yes, you can use store-bought pesto, which makes the recipe quicker and easier. Popular options include Giovanni Rana and Kirkland Signature from Costco. However, homemade pesto is also a great option if you have the time.
What type of pasta works best for Chicken Pesto Pasta?
While penne is commonly used, you can substitute it with other pasta types like fettuccine, rotini, or bowtie pasta. The choice depends on your preference or what you have on hand.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
To make the sauce creamier, you can add heavy cream or make a flour and water slurry to thicken it. This helps create a richer texture and flavor.
Can I add other ingredients to Chicken Pesto Pasta?
Absolutely, Common additions include cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, baby spinach, and even other proteins like sausage or shrimp. Adding vegetables like asparagus or sun-dried tomatoes can also enhance the dish.
How do I store and reheat Chicken Pesto Pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, add a small splash of water to the pasta to loosen the sauce and microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the dish for up to three months if it doesn’t contain cream.
What are some tips for cooking Chicken Pesto Pasta perfectly?
Ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly before mixing it with the pasta and pesto sauce. Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Also, cooking the pasta al dente helps it hold up better when mixed with the sauce and other ingredients.