Chicken Pesto Pasta
User Reviews
5
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Description
In this recipe, chicken breast pieces are first sautéed with olive oil, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt to develop a well-seasoned, browned exterior. Meanwhile, a sauce is prepared by melting butter and sautéing minced garlic, then adding chicken broth, heavy cream, and shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. The sauce is cooked over medium-high heat until it thickens, creating a creamy base. Cooked penne pasta is combined with the sauce, cooked chicken, and basil pesto, which adds fresh herbal flavor and a slight nuttiness. Additional seasoning with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes allows for adjusting the dish to taste. The resulting dish offers a comforting blend of creamy, cheesy texture and the bright notes from the pesto, suitable as a satisfying main course for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces, boneless, skinless
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning dried
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 3/4 cup basil pesto
- 8 ounces penne pasta cooked and drained
- salt to taste, additional
- black pepper
- crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to the skillet over medium heat. Add the cut chicken, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt to the skillet. Stir and cook until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the butter and garlic. Melt the butter and saute the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Whisk to combine and continue to stir and cook the sauce over medium-high heat. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken.
- While the sauce is thickening, boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, and pesto sauce to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine and cook until warmed through.
- Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 709 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 709kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 50g | 77% |
| Saturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 147mg | 49% |
| Sodium | 1043mg | 43% |
| Potassium | 467mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1817IU | 36% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 268mg | 27% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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