If you're looking for a dish that’s both quick and delicious, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is your answer. With a few simple ingredients like chicken, pasta, and rich basil pesto, you can create a meal that impresses everyone at the table. I’ll guide you step-by-step so you can whip it up in no time. Ready to serve something amazing? Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of heavy cream and basil pesto creates a luscious sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: With simple ingredients like chicken and cherry tomatoes, you can easily customize this dish to your taste.
- Family-Friendly: This creamy pesto chicken pasta is a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Additional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
In this creamy pesto chicken pasta, you'll find simple yet tasty ingredients. The chicken breasts give the dish protein. Fettuccine pasta is perfect for holding that creamy sauce. Heavy cream makes the dish rich, while basil pesto adds a burst of flavor. The cherry tomatoes bring a sweet note and color.
For extra flavor, Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the sauce. Extra virgin olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds depth. Garlic gives a wonderful aroma and taste. Don’t forget sea salt and black pepper to enhance every bite. Fresh basil leaves at the end add a pop of color and freshness.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to make a delicious meal. Each component plays a role in creating a dish that is creamy, savory, and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
1. Boiling water and salting: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. When the water bubbles, add a good amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta.
2. Cooking pasta to al dente: Add 8 oz of fettuccine to the boiling water. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes. Check the package for the exact time. You want it to be tender but still firm.
3. Draining and reserving pasta water: Once the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Remember to keep a small cup of pasta water aside for later. This water will help your sauce if it gets too thick.
Preparing the Chicken
1. Seasoning the chicken: Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and sprinkle sea salt and black pepper on both sides. This adds flavor to the chicken.
2. Searing in a skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown. The chicken should reach 165°F inside.
3. Resting and slicing the chicken: After cooking, move the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice it into strips to make it easier to serve.
Making the Creamy Sauce
1. Sautéing garlic in skillet: In the same skillet, lower the heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute. Stir until the garlic smells good and turns golden.
2. Adding heavy cream and bringing to simmer: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. Let it gently simmer, but do not let it boil. This makes the sauce creamy.
3. Incorporating pesto and Parmesan: Mix in 1/2 cup of basil pesto and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If it's too thick, add a little pasta water.
Combining Ingredients
1. Mixing pasta with creamy sauce: Toss the drained fettuccine into the creamy sauce. Stir gently so every piece of pasta gets coated.
2. Adding halved cherry tomatoes: Add 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the pasta. This adds a fresh and bright flavor.
Plating and Garnishing
1. Arranging chicken on pasta: Place the sliced chicken on top of the creamy pasta. This makes it look nice and adds protein.
2. Adding black pepper and fresh basil: Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper and some fresh basil leaves. This adds extra flavor and color to your dish.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Creamy Sauce
To get the right creamy sauce, you need to use pasta water. This water has starch, which helps thicken the sauce. When you drain the pasta, save a cup of this water. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This helps you reach a smooth consistency.
You can adjust the flavor too. Add more pesto for a stronger taste or more cheese for extra creaminess. Taste the sauce as you go. This way, you can make it just right for you.
Cooking Tips for Chicken
To keep your chicken juicy, season it well with salt and pepper. Sear it in hot oil for a nice crust. Cook it until it reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and not dry.
Let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing. This lets the juices settle back in, making it juicy and tender.
Quick Serving Suggestions
Pair your creamy pesto chicken pasta with a simple salad or garlic bread. A fresh side can balance the rich flavors of the pasta.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Reheat in a pan over low heat to keep it creamy. You can also add a splash of cream or pasta water when reheating to bring back the sauce's texture.
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To ensure your pasta is cooked al dente, follow the package instructions closely and taste it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time is up.
- Rest the Chicken: Allowing the seared chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing helps retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful.
- Custom Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, simply reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half for a creamier texture without the extra calories.
- Fresh Basil Flavor: For an extra burst of freshness, add torn fresh basil leaves just before serving instead of cooking them in the sauce.
Variations
Vegetarian Option
You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just replace the chicken with colorful veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work great. Sauté these veggies until tender. You can also use plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. This swap keeps the dish creamy without dairy.
Protein Alternatives
If you want a different protein, try shrimp or salmon. Both add a nice twist to this recipe. For shrimp, cook them for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. If you choose salmon, cook it for about 6-8 minutes, flipping once. Adjust cooking times based on the size of the protein.
Pesto Variations
Pesto doesn’t have to be just basil. You can use sun-dried tomato pesto for a richer flavor. This option adds a lovely color and taste. When it comes to pesto, you have a choice between homemade and store-bought. Homemade pesto can be fresher, but store-bought saves time. Choose based on your schedule and taste preference.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
After enjoying your creamy pesto chicken pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it. In the fridge, your pasta will last about 3 to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some for later, freezing works well too. Portion out the pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Your creamy pesto chicken pasta can stay frozen for about 2 to 3 months.
When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat. Adding a splash of cream or pasta water can help bring back its creamy texture. Enjoy your meal later with ease!
FAQs
How to make creamy pesto sauce from scratch?
To make creamy pesto sauce, you need simple ingredients. Use fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend these together until smooth. Then, mix in heavy cream to make it rich and creamy. This homemade sauce gives your pasta a fresh, vibrant taste. You can adjust the garlic and cheese to suit your flavor.
Can I use other pastas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of pasta. Penne, rotini, or spaghetti work well. Choose a pasta shape you enjoy. Just remember to cook it until al dente. Each shape will hold the sauce differently, adding a fun twist to your dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
This recipe is great for meal prep! You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers. When you're ready to eat, simply combine them with the creamy pesto sauce. This keeps everything fresh and delicious. You can enjoy a quick meal anytime!
This blog post shared a simple yet delicious recipe featuring chicken, pasta, and pesto. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for making the dish just right. We also explored variations and storage ideas to fit your needs. Remember, cooking can be fun and adaptable. Try different proteins or sauces, and make it your own. Enjoy creating this tasty meal with your loved ones!
