Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless
skinless chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion
chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 12 ounces basil pesto
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces pasta *See notes
- Chopped basil for garnish
optional
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
- 2
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Add the flour and toss to coat.
- 3
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until browned, Add extra oil, if needed. Remove from the skillet and reserve.
- 4
To the same skillet, add the butter and saute the onions for about 3 - 4 minutes or until they become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for a minute.
- 5
Deglaze the skillet by adding the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to remove the brown bits. Bring to a boil. Stir in the pesto and lower the heat. Add the half and half and garlic powder. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- 6
Return the chicken and any collected juices to the skillet and toss to coat. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix well.
- 7
Add the cooked pasta and toss gently. Add some of the cooking water only if a creamier consistency is desired. Serve warm garnished with chopped basil (optional).
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, restaurant-quality meal without the fuss? This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta delivers on flavor and ease, bringing together tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, aromatic pesto cream sauce in about 30 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta truly special is its clever use of pantry staples to create a remarkably satisfying dish quickly. You'll love how easily the luscious basil pesto and half and half combine to coat every piece of pasta and chicken, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you still want a homemade, flavorful meal.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly delicious experience where every forkful is a harmony of textures and tastes. You'll find succulent bite-sized pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety sauce that coats your palate with the bright, herbaceous notes of basil pesto and the savory depth of Parmesan. The subtle warmth of garlic and Italian seasoning provides a balanced foundation, making this a hearty yet elegant meal that truly satisfies. It’s designed to be straightforward, so you can achieve fantastic results even if you’re new to cooking.
Customization & Variations
While this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is fantastic as written, feel free to adjust to your preferences. You can experiment with different pasta shapes, from classic spaghetti to sturdy penne, based on what you have on hand. For a richer flavor, you might increase the amount of Parmesan cheese stirred into the sauce. If you enjoy a stronger pesto presence, don't hesitate to add a little more basil pesto to taste.
Serving & Context
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is ideal for a comforting family dinner or an impressive yet easy meal for guests. Serve it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce. It’s a complete meal that feels special, perfect for any occasion.