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Chicken Pesto Pasta
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
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 475 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Pesto
  • 2 cups basil loosely packed, fresh leaves
  • 3 whole garlic cloves
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
Chicken and Pasta
  • 2 pounds chicken breast boneless skinless
  • 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 Parmesan Cheese grated

Instructions

Pesto
    Cup of Yum
  1. Measure 2 cups fresh basil leaves leaves by loosely packing them into a measuring cup.
  2. 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.
  3. Blend until fairly smooth. Set aside.
Chicken and Pasta
  1. Cut the 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large (12-inch) deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the cubed chicken and season with 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons black pepper, and 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
  4. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  5. Add 3 cups chicken broth and the uncooked 12 ounces penne pasta pasta to the pan.
  6. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a rolling boil.
  7. 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.
  8. Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to a simmer and stir in the prepared pesto and 1 cup heavy cream.
  9. Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
  10. 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 (16%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 1541IU (31%) Vitamin C 18mg (20%) Calcium 362mg (36%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 servings

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.