Quick & Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta for Busy Cooks

Chicken pesto pasta is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of creamy pesto sauce with tender pieces of chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a quick yet impressive meal for guests. The beauty of chicken pesto pasta lies in its simplicity and the ability to adapt the recipe to suit various dietary preferences and tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, this recipe will guide you through creating a mouthwatering meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Chicken Pesto Pasta

To make this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 12 ounces of pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of store-bought or homemade basil pesto
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper.
3. Sauté the chicken until it is cooked through and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine with the garlic.
6. Add the basil pesto to the cream and stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat the pieces in the pesto sauce.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
9. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
10. If using, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the pasta for added texture and flavor.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
12. Serve the creamy chicken pesto pasta hot and enjoy!

Variations of Chicken Pesto Pasta

Vegetarian Version

For a vegetarian twist, omit the chicken and replace it with an assortment of your favorite vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables until tender and mix them with the pesto sauce and pasta for a delicious meat-free meal.

Gluten-Free Option

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the regular pasta with a gluten-free variety. There are many options available, such as rice pasta or chickpea pasta, that will work perfectly in this recipe without compromising on taste or texture.

Spicy Chicken Pesto Pasta

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto sauce while it’s cooking. This will give your chicken pesto pasta a spicy kick that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Always cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
• Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor. Homemade pesto is easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
• Toast the pine nuts before adding them to the dish to enhance their nutty flavor.
• Gradually add the cream to prevent it from curdling, and ensure the heat is not too high.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes to find your preferred texture and sauce adherence.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken pesto pasta pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and a slice of crusty garlic bread. For a more robust meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a simple caprese salad. A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the dish beautifully, enhancing its flavors without overpowering them.

Nutritional Information

This creamy chicken pesto pasta recipe yields approximately four servings. The nutritional breakdown per serving is as follows:

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg

These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.