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Pesto Chicken Pasta

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Pesto Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, and pasta in a savory, herbaceous sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove and slice.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add pesto and a splash of pasta water or chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  6. If desired, add heavy cream or cream cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
  8. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Top with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie or grilled chicken for a quicker prep time.
  • For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free pesto and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  • This dish is best served fresh but reheats well for leftovers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pesto-chicken-pasta/