Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: Your New Go-To Weeknight Meal! 🍝🥂✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a delicious, quick, and satisfying meal, look no further than Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta. This easy pesto pasta recipe combines tender chunks of chicken, fragrant basil pesto, and a rich, creamy sauce to create an irresistible dish perfect for weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a comforting dinner, this weeknight meal is guaranteed to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. Let’s explore how to make this flavorful creamy chicken pesto pasta in just a few easy steps.
2. Key Ingredients for Your Easy Pesto Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) of pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Preparation & Cooking Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of pasta water for later use. Set aside.
Sautéing the Chicken
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken pieces, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté until warmed through and slightly browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Creating the Creamy Pesto Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, whisking to combine until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Combining Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat with the creamy pesto sauce. Then, toss in the cooked pasta, mixing thoroughly so all the noodles are covered with the flavorful sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
4. Storage Tips for Your Easy Pesto Pasta
If you have leftovers, store your creamy chicken pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce for a fresh taste. Avoid freezing as the creamy texture might change upon thawing. For more meal prep ideas, check out this delicious hot honey chicken bowl that combines sweet and spicy flavors.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Weeknight Meal
This weeknight meal pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner. For added flavor and presentation, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil over the top. Serve hot for the best taste and enjoy a hearty, easy pesto pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Looking for side dish ideas? Explore this greek potato salad for a light, flavorful accompaniment.
6. Tips to Make Your Easy Pesto Pasta Even Better
- Use homemade basil pesto for a fresh flavor boost.
- Choose high-quality pasta to improve texture and taste.
- Feel free to add cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for additional flavor variations.
- Adjust the amount of pesto to suit your taste preference—more pesto for a stronger basil flavor.
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the creamy chicken pesto pasta.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Pesto Pasta
Can I make creamy chicken pesto pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to maintain the creamy consistency. For more quick meals, visit our homemade butter chicken recipe.
What can I substitute for basil pesto in this recipe?
You can substitute with sun-dried tomato pesto, spinach pesto, or even a simple blend of fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and nuts for a homemade variation.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta options to make the easy pesto pasta suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
8. Final Thoughts on Your Easy Pesto Pasta Weeknight Dinner
In conclusion, creamy chicken pesto pasta is a delightful weeknight meal that combines flavorful, creamy, and fresh ingredients for a quick dinner solution. Its simplicity and delicious taste make it a perfect choice for busy evenings when you crave comfort food but want to keep things easy. With the right ingredients and a few steps, you can serve up a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Enjoy crafting this delicious easy pesto pasta and savor every bite of your homemade creation.
9. Conclusion
Whether you’re a busy parent or a food lover seeking a quick yet satisfying meal, Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is your go-to weeknight meal. Its rich flavor, creamy texture, and simple preparation make it an ideal dish to impress without stress. Try this easy pesto pasta recipe today and turn your dinner into a delicious experience!
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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: Your New Go-To Weeknight Meal!
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the ultimate weeknight meal that combines tender chicken, fragrant basil pesto, and a creamy sauce for an irresistible pasta dish. Perfect for busy evenings, this easy pesto pasta recipe offers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a favorite in any home.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) of pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving about a cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cooked chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until warmed through and slightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir to bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth. Add pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use homemade basil pesto for a fresher flavor.
- Choose quality pasta for better texture and taste.
- Add cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Adjust pesto quantity to your taste preference—more for a stronger basil flavor.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Contains Dairy, Contains Meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg