Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, flavorful basil pesto, and al dente pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste. With the option to use store-bought or homemade pesto, it offers a comforting meal that pleases both kids and adults alike. The addition of roasted cherry tomatoes enhances the dish with a sweet burst of flavor, making every bite an irresistible experience.
Ingredients
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 8 oz pasta (bow-tie, penne, or fusilli)
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil and minced garlic; roast for about 20 minutes.
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook chicken for about 5 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Boil water in a pot; cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In the same skillet used for chicken, combine cooked pasta, basil pesto, and heavy cream; stir gently over low heat until heated through.
- Serve topped with sliced chicken and roasted tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added nutrition and flavor, mix in sautéed spinach or zucchini. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt.