Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: Your New Favorite 30-Minute Dinner Recipe
Say hello to your new go-to weeknight meal! This Savory Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe truly has it all: it’s incredibly easy to prepare, calls for just a handful of simple ingredients, and delivers an unforgettable burst of delicious, comforting flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this dish promises to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
As the colder months roll in, or even just on a particularly gloomy day, there’s nothing quite like a warm, satisfying bowl of pasta to lift your spirits. While many embark on New Year’s resolutions to eat lighter, sometimes the soul simply craves a rich and flavorful comfort food. This creamy chicken pesto pasta is that perfect indulgence – a hearty, soul-warming meal that manages to feel both gourmet and incredibly simple to make. Don’t let the thought of dieting deter you from this delightful experience; life is about balance, and a scrumptious pasta dish is always a welcome treat!
For those mindful of their carb intake, feel free to adapt this recipe. Whole wheat pasta or a popular low-carb alternative can easily be substituted without compromising the incredible flavors. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary preferences while still enjoying a truly satisfying meal.
The Undeniable Allure of Pesto
Pesto holds a special place in my heart, and I’m confident it will in yours too. Its vibrant green hue and intoxicating aroma promise a symphony of fresh, herbaceous flavors. Derived from the Italian word “pestare,” meaning to crush, traditional pesto alla Genovese is a sublime combination of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, all masterfully blended. This simple yet sophisticated sauce has the power to elevate any dish, infusing it with layers of complex, earthy, and bright notes.
While I adore the process of making homemade pesto – and highly recommend you try it for the freshest flavor imaginable – quality store-bought pesto can also deliver fantastic results. My personal favorite, Filippo Berio, offers a robust flavor profile that beautifully complements this pasta. The convenience of a ready-made pesto means this quick dinner can truly live up to its “under 30 minutes” promise.
Crafting Your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
You might be wondering if such a flavorful dish could truly be simple to make. The answer is a resounding yes! While I’d love to call it a “one-pot wonder,” we do need a separate pot for the pasta. But trust me, that extra pan is a small price to pay for the incredible flavor and minimal effort involved in creating this culinary masterpiece.
For the main components of this recipe, I highly recommend using a large cast iron pot or a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven. These types of pots retain heat beautifully and provide an excellent surface for searing the chicken, which is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors. The robust construction of cast iron ensures even cooking and helps create those delicious browned bits at the bottom of the pan that become part of our luscious sauce.
Step-by-Step Simplicity: Bringing the Dish Together
Creating this rich and flavorful Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a quick overview of the effortless process:
- Begin by melting a combination of butter and olive oil in your chosen large, heavy-bottomed pot. This blend provides a richer flavor and helps achieve a perfect sear.
- Next, season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot pot and sear until each piece is beautifully golden brown on all sides. This step is key for locking in moisture and building a flavorful foundation.
- Once the chicken is seared, pour in the whipping cream, fragrant pesto, grated Parmesan cheese, and a splash of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld into a creamy, irresistible blend.
- Finally, toss your freshly cooked pasta directly into the sauce with the chicken. Ensure every strand is coated in the rich, vibrant sauce. To finish, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan cheese and a generous handful of chopped fresh basil.
- Serve immediately and savor every mouthful!
This streamlined process demonstrates how quickly you can achieve a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Each step is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave something truly special without the lengthy preparation.
Pro Tips for Pesto Perfection
- Pasta Choice Matters: While penne pasta is recommended for its ability to hold the creamy sauce in its ridges, feel free to experiment with other shapes. Fusilli, farfalle, or even tagliatelle work wonderfully. The key is to use a pasta that can truly embrace the rich sauce. Always cook your pasta al dente according to package directions to ensure it retains a pleasant bite and doesn’t become mushy when tossed with the sauce.
- Perfectly Seared Chicken: Don’t rush the searing process. Achieving a golden-brown crust on your chicken pieces adds a crucial layer of flavor through the Maillard reaction. Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the chicken instead of searing it.
- Building the Creamy Sauce: Once the cream, pesto, and broth are added, allow the sauce to gently simmer. This reduction process concentrates the flavors and helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from reducing too much.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: The addition of fresh basil at the end is not just for garnish; it brightens the entire dish and enhances the pesto’s herbal notes. Don’t skip it!
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: While pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and offers a superior flavor and texture. It truly makes a difference.
Customization and Variations
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and freshness by incorporating vegetables. Sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes (halved and added at the end), or even sliced mushrooms can be added alongside or after the chicken.
- Spice it Up: For a touch of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when you add the cream and pesto.
- Alternate Proteins: Not a fan of chicken, or looking for something different? Cooked shrimp, Italian sausage, or even plant-based chicken substitutes can work wonderfully. For a vegetarian option, consider adding white beans or chickpeas for protein.
- Cheese Varieties: While Parmesan is traditional, a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano can add a sharper, saltier kick. A little fresh mozzarella melted into the sauce can also create an extra gooey texture.
- Lighter Version: If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy whipping cream, or even a milk-based alternative for a less rich sauce. Just be mindful that it might not reduce and thicken quite as much.
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 lb. penne pasta or other favorite pasta
- 1.5 lbs. chicken breast fillets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1/3 cup pesto homemade or my favorite store-brand is Filippo Berio
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- Fresh basil diced for topping
- Parmesan cheese grated for topping
Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to the packaging directions.
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Meanwhile, melt the butter and olive oil in a big cast iron pot. Season the chicken pieces with the salt and pepper. Sear the chicken until golden brown.
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Pour in whipping cream, pesto, parmesan cheese and chicken broth. Simmer for a few minutes, until reduced a bit.
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Toss in drained and cooked pasta. Top with fresh grated parmesan and chopped basil.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions & Storage
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A basket of crusty bread is also highly recommended to soak up every last bit of that delectable sauce. For a touch of freshness, a squeeze of lemon juice over the finished dish can brighten all the flavors.
Leftovers, if you have any, store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might find the sauce has thickened considerably. To restore its creamy consistency, add a splash of chicken broth or a little cream while gently warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat, which can cause the sauce to separate.
If you enjoyed this creamy pesto pasta, you might also love these recipes:
Easy Tortellini Pesto Salad
Easy Pesto Pita Bread Pizzas
Pesto Grilled Cheese Panini
Conclusion: Your New Weeknight Hero
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that combines convenience with gourmet taste. The rich, herbaceous pesto, tender chicken, and silken cream sauce come together in less than half an hour, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy evenings. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its depth of flavor and effortless preparation. Don’t hesitate – add this creamy chicken pesto pasta to your weekly rotation and enjoy a truly delicious and satisfying dinner!
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