4.9 from 21 votes
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken Pesto Pasta is a 30 minute, one pot meal! Whether you make it with homemade pesto or store bought, it is creamy and savory and addictingly good. You're going to love it!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 475 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves loosely packed
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup pine nuts
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Pesto
- Measure 2 cups fresh basil leaves leaves by loosely packing them into a measuring cup.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, 3 whole garlic cloves, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, and ¼ cup pine nuts.
- Blend until fairly smooth. Set aside.
Cup of Yum
Chicken and Pasta
- Cut the 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large (12-inch) deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed chicken and season with 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons black pepper, and 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
- Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add 3 cups chicken broth and the uncooked 12 ounces penne pasta pasta to the pan.
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium, cover with a lid, and cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check the package directions for exact cooking time.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to a simmer and stir in the prepared pesto and 1 cup heavy cream.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Calories
475kcal
(24%)
Carbohydrates
13g
(4%)
Protein
14g
(28%)
Fat
43g
(66%)
Saturated Fat
16g
(80%)
Cholesterol
73mg
(24%)
Sodium
1936mg
(81%)
Potassium
736mg
(21%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
1541IU
(31%)
Vitamin C
18mg
(20%)
Calcium
362mg
(36%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 475
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 475kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 43g | 66% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Cholesterol | 73mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 1936mg | 81% |
| Potassium | 736mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1541IU | 31% |
| Vitamin C | 18mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 362mg | 36% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.