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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

5.1 from 18 reviews

Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Chicken Pesto Pasta that is perfect for a cozy night in. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious pesto sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • ½ pound Penne pasta (about 2 1/2 cups dry)

Chicken:

  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 2 Garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized chunks)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Chicken broth
  • 1 cup Half and half (or all milk/cream)
  • ½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 cup Freshly shredded Mozzarella
  • ½ cup Basil pesto (or more, to taste)

Garnish:

  • Fresh basil (for garnish, if desired)

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta: Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook Chicken: In a skillet, cook garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken until no longer pink. Set aside.
  3. Make Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet, whisk in flour, then add chicken broth and half & half. Simmer until thickened.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in pesto and cheeses. Add pasta and chicken, mix well.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with basil and black pepper, then serve hot.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, use all cream instead of a mix of half & half and milk.
  • To enhance the flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the pasta before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Pesto Pasta, Creamy Pasta Recipe, Italian Pasta Dish