Easy Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken
Tired of the same old dinner routine? Treat yourself to this creamy pesto pasta, a dish that feels indulgent but comes together in just 20 minutes. It's the perfect way to elevate your weeknight dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
- 20 min
- Effortless
- 1 Pan
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup prepared basil pesto
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir the pesto and heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked, drained pasta and grated Parmesan to the skillet. Toss to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for a Perfect Meal
- High-Quality Pesto: Using a good quality store-bought pesto will save you time and ensure a rich flavor.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better to the creamy sauce.
- Customize: Feel free to add cooked shrimp instead of chicken, or toss in some spinach and cherry tomatoes at the end for more color and vitamins.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving: Calories: 600-650 kcal | Protein: 40g | Fat: 35g | Carbohydrates: 35g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
