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creamy chicken pesto pasta
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creamy chicken pesto pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the perfect blend of comfort and gourmet flavor—all in one easy, crowd-pleasing dish. Juicy bites of chicken are tossed with tender pasta and coated in a luscious, creamy pesto sauce that brings bold basil and garlic notes with a cheesy finish. It’s fast, flavorful, and destined to become a regular on your dinner table. Whether you're cooking for family or guests, this pasta delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or store-bought pesto when you’re short on time but still want something indulgent.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: chicken
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup prepared basil pesto
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes optional
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened slightly.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated. If desired, stir in cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped basil or parsley.

Notes

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
  • Freezing: Freeze without the pasta for best results. Make the sauce and chicken ahead, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.