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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 850
A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and creamy cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (Choose rigatoni for sauce retention)

Chicken

  • 10.5 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Diced)

Sauce & Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream (plus 2 tablespoons)
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 0.5 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)

Vegetables

  • 3.5 ounces baby spinach (optional, for extra nutrition)

Cheese Topping

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (extra for topping)

Instructions 

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook diced chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream, milk, and pesto; simmer for a few minutes.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese and cooked chicken. Add cooked pasta and spinach; toss to combine. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, use less cheese and cream or substitute with low-fat options.
Calories: 850kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: chicken, Pasta, Pesto