Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Classic
Pasta is a staple in many households, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s comforting, filling, and versatile, making it the perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty family meal. One popular pasta dish is Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and fragrant basil pesto to create a deliciously satisfying meal that is sure to please the entire family.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. This recipe serves four and requires:
- 12 ounces of pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes or until it’s no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the basil pesto and the cooked chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce until it’s well coated.
- Serve the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Variations
This recipe is easily customizable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Here are some variations you can try:
- Swap out the chicken for shrimp or sliced Italian sausage.
- Add some vegetables to the dish, such as cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
- Make the dish lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or by using whole wheat pasta.
- Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the chicken.
Health Benefits
While Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta may not be the healthiest dish out there, it does have some redeeming qualities. Chicken is a good source of protein, and the Parmesan cheese adds some calcium to the dish. Pesto is made with basil, which is a good source of vitamin K, and olive oil is a healthy fat. Of course, this dish is still high in calories and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and sure to please. With tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and fragrant basil pesto, it’s no wonder this dish is so popular. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
