Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a luscious, flavor-packed dish that combines tender chicken, spiraled rotini pasta, and a velvety basil pesto cream sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner that feels both fresh and indulgent.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- Salt (for pasta water)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest, then slice.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Sauté minced garlic if using, then add heavy cream.
- Stir in pesto and Parmesan cheese, combining until smooth. Simmer gently.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and mix everything until well combined.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and cracked pepper if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes