Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that takes just 30 minutes to prepare. Tender chicken is sautéed to golden perfection and tossed with al dente pasta, vibrant basil pesto, and rich heavy cream. Topped with cherry tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan, this dish not only pleases the palate but also makes for a stunning presentation. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta will quickly become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spiral)
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in basil pesto until well combined, then gradually add Parmesan cheese while stirring until melted.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with cherry tomatoes and cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg