Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the ultimate weeknight meal that combines convenience with gourmet flavors. In just 40 minutes, you can create a luscious dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and rich basil pesto, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is easily customizable—use store-bought pesto for speed, or whip up your own for a fresh twist. Add seasonal vegetables to enhance nutrition and flavor. Treat yourself to this comforting pasta dish any time!
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1.5 lb chicken breast (2 skinless, boneless breasts)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 8 oz pasta (bow-tie, penne, or fusilli)
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- For garnish: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sliced cherry tomatoes with olive oil and minced garlic; spread in a casserole dish and roast for about 20 minutes.
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally; 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 fully cooked. Remove and slice thinly.
- Boil water in a pot; add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, combine cooked pasta, basil pesto, and heavy cream over low heat until well mixed.
- Serve topped with sliced chicken and roasted tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 325g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 114mg