0 from 12 votes
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Cheesy chicken pesto pasta is a quick and easy family favorite that can be on the table in under 30 minutes!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 542 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ - ¾ cup pesto
- garlic salt and pepper to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to packaged directions. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan, add chicken and cook until cooked through.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute over medium heat. Add flour and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
- Add milk and broth, stirring constantly. Cook until sauce boils and thickens.
- Add parmesan cheese and pesto (add more or less based on what you like). Continue stirring until cheese has melted.
- Add pasta to sauce and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper, if desired and serve immediately.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Make ahead of time. Make the pasta the day before and keep it stored in the fridge until you're ready to reheat and serve.
- Freezer meal. Cool the pasta then spoon it into a freezer storage bag. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
- STORE. Transfer the leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days or freezer for 2-3 months.
- Reheating. Thaw if applicable, reheat in a pot on the stove, and add a little extra milk or broth to smooth out the sauce. Stir until creamy and warm throughout. Use the microwave in a pinch.
Nutrition Information
Calories
542kcal
(27%)
Carbohydrates
49g
(16%)
Protein
36g
(72%)
Fat
21g
(32%)
Saturated Fat
9g
(45%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
Trans Fat
0.2g
Cholesterol
108mg
(36%)
Sodium
616mg
(26%)
Potassium
615mg
(18%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
710IU
(14%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
162mg
(16%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 542
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 542kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 108mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 616mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 615mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 710IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 162mg | 16% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.