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–+ servings
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: Your New Favorite Weeknight Delight

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick and satisfying dish, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Roasted Tomatoes
  • 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes if preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use extra virgin for richer flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Increase for a more robust flavor.
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Pasta (e.g., farfalle, penne, fusilli) Whole wheat or gluten-free options work beautifully.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Kosher salt is recommended for optimal results.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground is ideal.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup Basil Pesto Homemade or store-bought works, adjust to taste.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Substitute with half-and-half or plant-based cream for lighter options.
For the Protein & Optional Crunch
  • 1 pound Chicken Breast Skinless and boneless cuts allow for quick cooking.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika offers an extra flavor layer.
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts (optional) Chopped walnuts are a suitable alternative.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Casserole dish
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and gather your ingredients.
  2. Toss halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil and minced garlic in a bowl. Pour into a casserole dish and roast for about 20 minutes.
  3. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  4. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
  5. Boil salted water in a large pot, add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  6. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the cooked pasta, basil pesto, and heavy cream. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  7. Add the sliced chicken and roasted tomatoes, folding them into the pasta. Cook for an additional minute.
  8. Plate the creamy chicken pesto pasta and garnish with pine nuts if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to mix and match ingredients. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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