Welcome to our mouth-watering chicken pesto pasta recipe! If you’re in need of a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love, look no further. Our creamy chicken pesto pasta is bursting with flavours that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, this recipe is a winner for busy weeknights or special occasions. Let’s dive in and discover how to create this delectable dish.
This chicken pesto pasta recipe combines tender chunks of chicken with a velvety pesto sauce, bringing together the perfect blend of savory and creamy. Each bite is a burst of flavour and comfort with hints of garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
To create this culinary delight, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butter, garlic, penne pasta, chicken broth, milk, cream cheese, basil pesto, grated Parmesan, freshly cracked pepper, and crushed red pepper. Of course, you can personalize your dish with optional add-ins like fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
Over the next few sections, we will take you through the step-by-step process of creating this easy and satisfying chicken pesto pasta. From preparing the ingredients to serving the final dish, we have you covered. So, let’s get started and indulge in the deliciousness that awaits!
Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe Ingredients
To make this homemade chicken pesto pasta, you will need some easy-to-find ingredients that will result in a family-friendly and delicious meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This provides the protein base for the dish.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavour to the sauce.
- Garlic: Gives a wonderful aromatic taste to the dish.
- Penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to pair with the creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth: Provides a savoury base for the sauce.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
- Cream cheese: Enhances the creamy texture of the dish.
- Basil pesto: The star ingredient that adds a burst of flavour to the pasta.
- Grated Parmesan: Provides a cheesy and salty kick.
- Freshly cracked pepper and crushed red pepper: Add a touch of heat and spice.
For additional flavour and texture, you can also add optional extras such as fresh spinach and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, making it easy to whip up this chicken pesto pasta recipe whenever you’re craving a satisfying meal.
Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe Instructions
Ready to cook up the best chicken pesto pasta that’s easy and quick? Follow these simple steps:
- Start by cutting the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces.
- In a skillet, melt butter and cook the chicken until slightly browned.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Next, add uncooked pasta and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to dissolve any browned bits.
- Cover the skillet and let it come to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in milk, cream cheese, and pesto until the sauce is creamy and combined.
- Finally, add grated Parmesan and optional add-ins like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
To serve, sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper and crushed red pepper for a kick of flavour.
And that’s it! Your quick and easy chicken pesto pasta is ready to be enjoyed.
Nutrition Details
This homemade chicken pesto pasta is not only delicious but also provides a well-rounded nutritional profile. Packed with protein from the chicken and dairy products, this dish is a satisfying and filling meal option.
The nutritional information for this creamy chicken pesto pasta may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. However, on average, a typical serving of this dish contains approximately 748.68 calories, 52.55g of carbohydrates, 41.75g of protein, and 41.53g of fat.
It’s important to note that this pasta dish does have a moderate amount of sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation, especially for individuals on a restricted sodium diet. As with any recipe, it’s always best to balance your overall dietary needs and enjoy this dish as part of a well-rounded meal plan.
To maintain the nutritional integrity of this dish, you can consider making some modifications based on your dietary preferences and needs. For example, you can use whole wheat pasta for added fibre, opt for lower-fat dairy products, or adjust the portion size to fit your calorie requirements.
Enjoy the rich and creamy flavours of this homemade chicken pesto pasta while being mindful of its nutritional information. With balanced ingredients and portion control, this dish can be a delicious addition to your repertoire of go-to recipes.
Variations
While this chicken pesto pasta recipe is delicious as is, there are a few variations you can try to mix things up. For a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. If you prefer a different type of pasta, you can swap out penne for bowties or rotini. You can also experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto, to add unique flavours to the dish. Feel free to get creative and customize the recipe to your preferences.
Preparation and Cooking Time
This chicken pesto pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as it comes together in just about 30 minutes. The preparation time includes cutting the chicken and gathering the ingredients, which should take about 10 minutes. The cooking time involves cooking the chicken and pasta, as well as making the creamy sauce, which should take around 20 minutes. With these simple steps and a short cooking time, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
When it comes to making a homemade chicken pesto pasta, speed and simplicity are key. This recipe allows you to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The quick cooking time is ideal for those who need to put a meal on the table in a hurry. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this simple chicken pesto pasta recipe is sure to impress.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken pesto pasta is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with complementary dishes to create a complete meal. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance the flavours and add variety to your homemade chicken pesto pasta:
1. Garlic Bread: Serve the chicken pesto pasta with a side of warm and crusty garlic bread. The combination of the creamy pasta and the garlicky bread is simply irresistible.
2. Fresh Green Salad: Add some crunch and freshness to your meal by serving the chicken pesto pasta with a fresh green salad. Toss together some crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and your favourite dressing for a refreshing contrast.
3. Extra Parmesan and Olive Oil: To elevate the richness and flavour of the dish, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and drizzle a little bit of quality olive oil. This simple addition adds a touch of luxury to each bite.
4. Leftover Delights: Don’t let the leftovers go to waste! Enjoy the chicken pesto pasta cold or reheated for a delicious lunch the next day. The flavours intensify as the pasta sits, making it a treat to enjoy even after it’s been refrigerated.
With these serving suggestions, you can enhance the homemade chicken pesto pasta and create a satisfying meal that will delight your taste buds. Whether you choose to enjoy it on its own or pair it with these accompaniments, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this chicken pesto pasta recipe?
Yes, you can swap out the penne pasta for bowties or rotini if you prefer.
Can I make this chicken pesto pasta recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
Can I customize the flavours of the pesto in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto, to add unique flavours to the dish.
Can I reheat the leftovers of this chicken pesto pasta?
Yes, the leftovers of this dish are great for lunch the next day. You can enjoy it cold or reheated.
Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- skinless chicken breasts
- Butter
- Garlic
- Penne pasta
- Chicken broth
- Milk
- Cream cheese
- Basil pesto
- Grated Parmesan
- Freshly cracked pepper and crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Start by cutting the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces.skinless chicken breasts
- In a skillet, melt butter and cook the chicken until slightly browned.Butter
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.Garlic
- Next, add uncooked pasta and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to dissolve any browned bits.Penne pasta, Chicken broth
- Cover the skillet and let it come to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in milk, cream cheese, and pesto until the sauce is creamy and combined.Milk, Cream cheese, Basil pesto
- Finally, add grated Parmesan and optional add-ins like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.Grated Parmesan, Freshly cracked pepper and crushed red pepper
