Description
Looking for the best creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe? This dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor making it perfect for busy nights or relaxed weekends. It is a simple yet healthy idea when you want comfort without effort and it works beautifully for family dinners casual gatherings meal prep lunches or cozy date nights. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it one of the best pasta choices to save and repeat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Boil penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente then reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Cut chicken breast into 1 inch pieces then season with salt and black pepper evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat then add chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and cooked through then remove from pan.
- Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant then stir in pesto and heavy cream.
- Return chicken to the skillet then add cooked pasta and toss gently adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes then cook for 2 minutes until creamy and well combined.
Notes
- Add pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts best.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg