Oh, let me tell you about my creamy chicken pesto pasta! It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The rich, velvety sauce, the tender chicken, and the aromatic basil pesto come together to create a plate of pure comfort. I often whip this up on busy weeknights when I need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Just the other night, I made it after a hectic day, and within 25 minutes, we were sitting down to a delicious dinner that felt fancy but was so easy! Trust me, this pasta is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can tweak it to your heart’s content! Get ready to fall in love with this quick and delicious meal!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make my creamy chicken pesto pasta. It’s simple, straightforward, and oh-so-delicious!
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking, and don’t hesitate to use leftover chicken to save some time! You’ll love how easy it is to pull this all together.
How to Prepare Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this creamy chicken pesto pasta! I promise it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure it’s al dente so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
- While the pasta’s cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but not smoking!
- Once the oil shimmers, add your shredded chicken to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes, just until it’s heated through. The smell will start to fill your kitchen—yum!
- Next, pour in the basil pesto and heavy cream. Stir everything together, letting those flavors mingle for a minute or two.
- Now, add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well until the cheese melts into that creamy goodness.
- Time to bring it all together! Add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it gently to coat every piece with that luscious sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through and ready to serve.
- Dish it out hot and enjoy every bite of this creamy, comforting pasta!
Trust me, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and it all comes together so quickly. You’ll be making this one again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table!
- Rich flavor: The combination of creamy sauce and zesty basil pesto creates an explosion of taste with every bite.
- Creamy texture: The heavy cream and melted Parmesan make this pasta irresistibly smooth and comforting.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins, veggies, or pasta shapes to keep things exciting!
- Easy cleanup: With just one skillet and a pot to wash, you won’t spend the evening scrubbing dishes.
- Kid-friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s a total winner for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something hearty and flavorful!
Tips for Success
To make sure your creamy chicken pesto pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, remember to cook your pasta al dente; this way, it’ll soak up the sauce without getting mushy. If you want to lighten things up a bit, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even milk, but just know it might change the richness a bit. When adding the pesto, taste as you go—some brands can be stronger than others, so adjust to your liking. And don’t forget to let your cheese melt completely into the sauce for that creamy texture we all love! Lastly, keep an eye on the heat when sautéing your chicken; you want it warm but not browned. Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your creamy chicken pesto pasta, I’ve got some fun ideas! You can easily switch the protein; try shrimp or even grilled salmon for a seafood twist. Want to add more veggies? Toss in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor. As for the pasta, penne is great, but you could use fusilli or farfalle for a different texture. Feeling adventurous? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick! The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
When it comes to storing your creamy chicken pesto pasta, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy those leftovers throughout the week! To reheat, just pop it in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring halfway through until it’s heated through. If you find the pasta has thickened in the fridge, don’t worry! Just add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to bring back that luscious, creamy texture. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good as when you first made it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for my creamy chicken pesto pasta. Each serving contains approximately 600 calories, 30g of fat, 30g of protein, and 60g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind these are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your delicious meal without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! Store-bought basil pesto saves time and still delivers great flavor. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best results.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream!
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even broccoli for a nutritious twist!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat gently to maintain that creamy texture!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta, this creamy chicken pesto pasta can easily fit into a gluten-free diet!
Creamy chicken pesto pasta: 7 steps to pure comfort
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and flavorful creamy chicken pesto pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add cooked chicken and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Stir in pesto and heavy cream.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker prep.
- Adjust pesto quantity to taste.
- Can substitute cream with milk for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pesto pasta
