This creamy chicken pesto pasta is a quick and tasty dinner option. With tender chicken and a rich pesto sauce, it’s sure to please everyone at the table!
I love how easy this dish is to whip up after a long day. Just cook the pasta, sauté the chicken, and mix in the creamy goodness—dinner is served in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: I love using penne for this dish since its shape holds the sauce well. If you don’t have penne, any pasta like fusilli, bowtie, or even spaghetti will work. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, but if you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful and saves you from cooking the chicken from scratch!
Pesto Sauce: Homemade pesto is wonderful, but store-bought is perfectly fine for busy nights. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a vegan pesto. If it’s not available, a simple combination of olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil can work in a pinch.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, try half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. It will change the texture slightly, but it will still be creamy.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor! If you don’t have them, you can skip them or swap in chopped fresh tomatoes for a different take.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can sometimes be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can do it right every time. The key is to get a nice sear while ensuring it stays juicy inside.
- Start by patting the chicken dry with a paper towel. This helps it sear better.
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot—then add the oil. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you have more chicken, consider cooking it in batches.
- Cook the chicken strips for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden. Use a meat thermometer to check; 165°F is the magic number for doneness.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
The Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
For Garnishing:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish comes together in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken and pasta, and then another 20 minutes making the creamy sauce and combining everything. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This should take around 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken strips with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
4. Create the Creamy Base:
Next, reduce the heat to medium-low, and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine and allow it to warm for 2-3 minutes.
5. Mix in the Pesto:
Now stir in the pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is where it all comes together!
6. Add Veggies:
Incorporate the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves into the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
7. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, mixing well to coat them with the creamy sauce. Then, toss in the drained pasta and gently combine everything until the pasta is well coated and heated through.
8. Serve It Up:
Your creamy chicken pesto pasta is ready to enjoy! Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you’d like.
Dig in and enjoy your delicious, homemade creamy chicken pesto pasta! It’s sure to become a family favorite!
If you love creamy, comforting chicken dishes, you’ll also enjoy our indulgent Easy Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken, the fresh and vibrant Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, and the elegant, flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala. Each one is simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
FAQS about Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular penne with gluten-free pasta. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta may cook a bit faster or slower, depending on the brand. Always follow the package instructions for best results!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the chicken with your choice of protein, such as chickpeas, tofu, or even grilled vegetables. Make sure to sauté them in the skillet to add flavor, just like you would with the chicken.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a plant-based cream alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture will be a bit different, but it will still be delicious!
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the perfect balance of rich flavor and simple preparation, making it a go-to option for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fragrant pesto create a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to customize. You can also explore the tropical sweetness of Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, the hearty Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry, or the wholesome Immunity-Boosting Turmeric Chicken Soup. Each recipe offers its own unique twist and is sure to bring excitement to your dinner table.
