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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta for Your Quick Comfort Fix

Creamy chicken pesto pasta combines tender chicken and al dente pasta in a luxurious basil pesto cream sauce for a quick comfort meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Can substitute with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • to taste Salt and Ground Black Pepper Essential for seasoning the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Adds herby flavor; replace with dried oregano or thyme if needed.
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Coats chicken for a crispy texture.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Ideal for cooking the chicken.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Provides richness to the sauce.
  • 1 medium Onion (chopped) Forms the flavor base.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced) Enhances the dish's flavor.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
  • 1 cup Basil Pesto Star ingredient adds vibrant taste.
  • 1/2 cup Half and Half Creates a creamy sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder For additional garlic flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Enhances creaminess and flavor.
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Pasta Any type like fettuccine or penne.
For Garnish
  • to taste Chopped Basil for Garnish (optional) Adds a fresh touch.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining.
  2. Season the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Coat in a light layer of flour.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove and let rest.
  4. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté onion for 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  5. Deglaze the Skillet: Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up brown bits, and let it boil for about 2 minutes.
  6. Prepare the Cream Sauce: Stir in basil pesto, half and half, and garlic powder; let simmer until slightly thickened.
  7. Incorporate the Chicken: Return chicken to skillet, simmer with sauce for 3-4 minutes, sprinkle Parmesan cheese until melted.
  8. Combine with Pasta: Add drained pasta to skillet, toss to coat in sauce, adjusting with reserved pasta water as needed.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Serve pasta in bowls garnished with chopped basil if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Consider serving alongside a fresh salad or sautéed veggies for a wholesome meal.

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