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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

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Indulge in the ultimate Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, a quick and delicious recipe featuring tender chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Perfect for busy families and weeknight meals, this dish combines fresh flavors for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 300g penne pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto, mixing well to combine.
  • Add the Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Toss the cooked pasta and chicken into the skillet, ensuring everything is well coated in the creamy pesto sauce.
  • Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, you can add a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce.
  • Swap penne with any pasta shape of your choice, like fettuccine or rigatoni.
  • Adjust the pesto quantity to suit your taste.

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