Indulge in this creamy chicken pesto pasta recipe featuring tender chicken, rich pesto sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. A quick and delicious dish for weeknight dinners!
Author:Ava
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add the pesto and heavy cream, mixing until smooth and heated through.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s well-coated in the sauce.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients.