Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick and easy dinner recipe with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety basil pesto sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for any weeknight or a special date night.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh or sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the basil pesto and heavy cream to the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta with the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use fresh homemade pesto.
Adjust the cream amount depending on your desired sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 30g