Pesto pasta with chicken is a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal. This recipe elevates the classic pesto pasta by adding juicy chicken and a touch of creaminess, creating a dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. It’s adaptable to your taste and what you have on hand, making it a versatile go-to recipe.
What Makes This Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe Special?
This recipe isn't just your average pesto pasta. We're focusing on delivering a vibrant, flavorful dish that's both comforting and elegant. We'll achieve this through:
- Perfectly cooked chicken: We'll ensure the chicken is juicy and tender, complementing the richness of the pesto.
- Creamy sauce: A touch of cream enhances the pesto's flavor and creates a luxurious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Fresh ingredients: We'll emphasize the use of fresh basil for the pesto, ensuring a vibrant, fresh taste.
- Easy-to-follow instructions: Even beginner cooks can master this recipe.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade – see tips below!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes), seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in pesto and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, along with the cooked chicken. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, or your favorite toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use pre-made pesto?
Absolutely! Using pre-made pesto saves time and effort. However, if you have the time, homemade pesto offers a more vibrant and intense flavor.
What kind of pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, farfalle, and fusilli are all excellent choices. Choose a pasta shape that can hold the creamy pesto sauce well.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While the pesto pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and pesto sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta and combine everything just before serving for optimal taste and texture.
Tips for the Best Pesto Pasta with Chicken:
- Use fresh basil: The quality of your basil will significantly impact the flavor of your pesto.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it until it's just cooked through.
- Adjust the creaminess: Add more or less heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency.
- Garnish generously: Fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes add visual appeal and enhance the flavor.
Enjoy your delicious and easy pesto pasta with chicken! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out.
