This recipe elevates classic pesto pasta by adding tender chicken and a touch of creaminess for a truly satisfying meal. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, and easily adaptable to your preferences. Let's dive into the delicious details!
What You'll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Pesto Pasta:
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade – see tips below!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or pine nuts for added flavor and texture.
Instructions:
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Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to wash!), add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the pesto and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the pesto sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or your favorite toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with a variety of pasta shapes, including penne, rotini, fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Choose your favorite!
What kind of pesto is best?
You can use either store-bought pesto or homemade. Homemade pesto offers more control over ingredients and flavor, but store-bought is a convenient option. Basil pesto is traditional, but you can experiment with different pesto varieties like sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian/vegan?
To make this vegetarian, simply omit the chicken. For a vegan version, use a vegan pesto and replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a similar creamy texture.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and prepare the pesto sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the pasta, then combine everything as instructed. Avoid adding the Parmesan cheese until serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
What are some variations of this recipe?
Get creative! Add vegetables like roasted red peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can also incorporate different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds a nice crunch.
This creamy pesto pasta with chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
