Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta features tender sliced chicken breast combined with a luscious sauce made from pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This elegant yet simple dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta, penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape
- 1 chicken breast, sliced in half horizontally for even cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 onion, diced or sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, optional for subtle heat
- 1/4 cup pasta water, reserved if needed to loosen the sauce
- Fresh Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-12 minutes. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes. Place the seasoned chicken in the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a cutting board.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir the pesto sauce into the onion and garlic mixture, coating everything evenly and cooking for about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined and smooth.
- Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and any optional chili flakes, stirring constantly until the sauce is creamy and cohesive, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until fully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it slightly.
- Plate and Garnish: Divide the pasta among serving bowls or plates, top each portion with sliced chicken, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes