Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Before diving into the preparation process, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the key ingredients that will bring this dish to life. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich and creamy experience that is synonymous with Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta.

Discover the comforting delight of Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, a dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy pesto sauce. This recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also showcases vibrant ingredients like fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, making each bite visually and nutritionally appealing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering, this delectable dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Follow our step-by-step guide to achieve creamy perfection and elevate your dining experience!

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Ingredients

12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)

2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh spinach

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Cook the Chicken:

- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and pour in the heavy cream. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to incorporate the chicken drippings for added flavor. Allow the cream to simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Add Pesto and Parmesan:

- Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Combine Everything:

- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add in the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy pesto sauce and the spinach has wilted.

Serve:

- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings