Quick and Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Weeknight meals can often feel like a daunting task, especially when time is limited, and hunger is high. Enter Quick and Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta—a delightful dish that perfectly balances convenience with rich flavors, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings. This recipe promises a creamy texture and fresh, aromatic notes that can tantalize the taste buds of both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

Looking for a quick weeknight dinner? Try this Quick and Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe that you can whip up in under 30 minutes! With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant basil pesto, this dish strikes the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. Plus, it uses simple ingredients like garlic, heavy cream, and fresh cherry tomatoes for a satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this pasta will impress everyone at your table!

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Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine or penne works well)

2 tbsp olive oil

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450 g), diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup prepared basil pesto

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Optional: Cherry tomatoes, halved, for additional freshness

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced chicken breast and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, allowing it to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes.

Combine Pesto and Cheese: Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Mix Everything Together: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing well to coat everything in the creamy pesto sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve: Plate the pasta and finish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, if desired. For a burst of color and flavor, add halved cherry tomatoes on top.

Enjoy your Quick and Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4