Why you will love this recipe

Pesto Pasta with Chicken is a dish that captures the beauty of simple cooking while delivering on flavor. You should try this recipe because it’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with deliciousness. It is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed family dinner. The creamy pesto sauce combined with juicy chicken and tender pasta creates a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option that won’t break the bank!

How this recipe comes together

To make Pesto Pasta with Chicken, you will need a few simple ingredients. Gather your pasta of choice, diced chicken breast, pesto sauce, heavy cream, olive oil, salt, pepper, and some fresh herbs for garnish.

Begin by cooking the pasta until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes.
Reduce the heat and stir in the pesto sauce and heavy cream, combining them smoothly.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s well coated in the creamy pesto sauce.
Serve your dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

How to serve Pesto Pasta With Chicken

Serve your Pesto Pasta with Chicken hot, directly from the skillet to the plate. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs for an added touch of flavor and presentation. This dish pairs well with a side salad or bread to soak up the delightful sauce.

How to store Pesto Pasta With Chicken

To store any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best to consume the dish within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and texture. If you want to reheat it, add a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Tips to make Pesto Pasta With Chicken

Make sure to not overcook your pasta; keeping it al dente helps maintain the right texture.
Experiment with different types of pasta to find your favorite.
You can use leftover cooked chicken to save time.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can use zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta. You can also add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, using store-bought pesto is a great option for saving time! It can be just as flavorful as homemade.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container. Just make sure to reheat gently to avoid the sauce breaking.

Pesto Pasta with Chicken

A simple yet flavorful dish perfect for weeknights, featuring al dente pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy pesto sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 720

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main ingredients

8 oz pasta of choice Use your favorite pasta type.
1 lb diced chicken breast Make sure it's cooked through.
1/2 cup pesto sauce Store-bought or homemade.
1/2 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
2 tbsp olive oil For cooking the chicken.
to taste salt For seasoning the chicken.
to taste pepper For seasoning the chicken.
for garnish fresh herbs (basil, parsley) Adds flavor and presentation.

Method

Cooking

Cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add diced chicken. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook until the chicken is golden and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in pesto sauce and heavy cream, mixing until well combined.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet until it's well coated with the creamy pesto sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped herbs.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or water.