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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: Your New Quick Comfort Dish

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that transforms weeknight dinners into a culinary experience, with minimal prep and maximum comfort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Pasta Your favorite shape, gluten-free if preferred.
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breast Main protein source; turkey makes a great substitute.
For Sautéing
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds flavor and healthy fats; avocado oil is a substitute.
For Flavor
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic Fresh for best aroma; garlic powder works too.
  • 1 cup Pesto Sauce Homemade or store-bought.
For Creaminess
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream.
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese For umami depth; nutritional yeast for vegan.
For Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large skillet
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
  3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, stir in pesto sauce, and warm through for about 2 minutes.
  5. Gradually pour in heavy cream while stirring, cooking on low for another 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Fold in cooked pasta and sautéed chicken gently. Heat everything together for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 35gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water if needed.

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