Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta (Printable)

Chicken and pasta blended with creamy pesto, prepared simply in one skillet for quick, flavorful results.

# What you'll need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 450 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
02 - 340 g (12 oz) penne pasta
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 240 ml (1 cup) prepared basil pesto
05 - 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
06 - 120 ml (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

10 - Fresh basil leaves, sliced
11 - Additional grated Parmesan cheese

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
03 - Add minced garlic to the skillet with chicken and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in cooked penne pasta, basil pesto, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Toss to evenly coat the pasta and chicken.
05 - Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the skillet and stir gently until the cheese melts into the sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
06 - Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick cook time so you can get dinner on the table fast
  • Everything cooks in one pan for less mess and more flavor
  • Uses simple pantry and fridge staples
  • Kid friendly and ultra creamy with no complicated steps
02 -
  • High in protein and packed with flavor
  • Sauce thickens as it stands so leftovers taste even better
  • Great for all ages and fully customizable with veggies or gluten free pasta
03 -
  • Stir the pasta often while simmering so it does not stick or clump
  • Always taste and adjust salt pepper and cheese at the end since store bought pesto can vary a lot
  • Let the skillet sit uncovered off heat for three minutes before serving for the creamiest sauce

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