Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a comforting family favorite that combines tender chicken, flavorful basil pesto, and creamy sauce tossed with penne pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Optional: red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water, drain, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Sauté seasoned chicken pieces until golden. Add garlic, then pour in cream and broth.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in pesto and Parmesan until smooth. Add tomatoes and spinach.
- Combine: Toss in cooked pasta until coated. Serve hot with Parmesan and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade pesto for flavor.
- Substitute with rotisserie chicken if desired.
- Enhance with mushrooms or peas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
