Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love creamy, cheesy pasta with a burst of fresh basil flavor, then this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. The rich pesto sauce envelops the chicken and pasta, creating a satisfying dish that is both flavorful and comforting. With only 30 minutes of cooking time, you get a gourmet meal that’s easy to whip up. Plus, you can customize it with add-ins like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flair.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ pound Penne pasta (about 2 ½ cups dry)

• 1 tablespoon Olive oil

• 2 Garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons Butter

• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour

• 1 cup Chicken broth

• 1 cup Half and half (or milk/cream)

• ½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan

• 1 cup Freshly shredded Mozzarella

• ½ cup Basil pesto (or more, to taste)

• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Boil the penne pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and diced chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink, stirring occasionally to ensure it browns evenly on all sides. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and discard any liquid in the skillet.

3. Return the skillet to the heat and melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 3 minutes, or until it turns golden.

4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and half and half, then bring to a boil. If the sauce begins to boil too rapidly, reduce the heat. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens.

5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the pesto and cheeses. Add the cooked pasta and chicken into the skillet, stirring until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

6. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add-Ins: Customize this dish with fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, yellow squash, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.

• Pasta: You can substitute the penne with other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle.

• Cheese: If you want to reduce the amount of cheese, try adding half of the mozzarella and Parmesan at first, mixing well before adding the rest.

• Spice it up: For a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the pesto sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish for up to 4 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing.

• Reheating: When reheating, thaw frozen pasta in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little milk or cream to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs will work perfectly in this recipe. They will add more flavor and moisture to the dish.

2. Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works great and saves time, but if you have the option, homemade pesto will elevate the flavor even more.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Just ensure the other ingredients, like the chicken broth and pesto, are gluten-free.

4. What can I use if I don’t have half and half?

If you don’t have half and half, you can substitute it with equal parts whole milk and heavy cream for a similar texture and richness.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a burst of color and added nutrition.

6. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and replace the half and half with coconut milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.

7. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape will work, such as fusilli, rotini, or farfalle. Choose your favorite!

8. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the chicken, garlic, and pesto in advance to speed up the cooking process when you’re ready to make it.

9. How do I prevent the mozzarella from clumping together?

To prevent the mozzarella from seizing, add it in small increments, stirring well after each addition. This will help it melt smoothly into the sauce.

10. Can I freeze this pasta dish?

Yes, this pasta can be frozen. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat it on the stove with a little milk to restore its creamy texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick, delicious, and versatile meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy pesto sauce, combined with tender chicken and pasta, makes for a comforting dish that everyone will love. You can easily customize it with vegetables or cheese variations to suit your taste. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s a go-to recipe that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

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