Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
605 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Description
This recipe starts by blending fresh basil and parsley with Parmesan cheese, toasted cashews, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, olive oil, and water to create a smooth, creamy pesto sauce without cream. The penne pasta is cooked al dente, drained, then lightly tossed with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Meanwhile, chicken breast pieces are sautéed in olive oil and seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until fully cooked and lightly browned. Baby spinach leaves and halved cherry tomatoes are added to the cooked chicken and pasta mixture, providing freshness and color.
The pesto sauce is poured over the combined ingredients and mixed thoroughly, coating everything with a vibrant, herby creaminess. This dish offers a balanced texture from the tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh vegetables. It’s suited for a satisfying lunch or dinner and can be served immediately for best texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Creamy Pesto Sauce
- 1 cup basil packed, fresh
- ¼ cup parsley packed, fresh
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- ¼ cup cashews toasted
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt sea salt
- lemon juice from ½ lemon
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup water
Chicken and Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta penne is pictured
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper sea salt
- 2 ounces baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomato halved
Instructions
- Begin by making the pesto sauce. Put all of the ingredients into your blender and blend on high until smooth.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the water then return the pasta to the pot and toss with a little olive oil.
- While the pasta water is warming, add the oil to a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, stirring a few times, about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the cooked pasta, spinach, and tomatoes to the pan with the chicken. Pour the pesto sauce over top and mix everything together. Serve right away.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 605 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 serving = ¼ of the recipe | |
| Calories | 605kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 39g | 78% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 83mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 782mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 829mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 2295IU | 46% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 205mg | 21% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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