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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

This creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe is made with tasty chicken and tender pasta smothered in a luscious cream and basil pesto sauce. This easy chicken pesto pasta recipe is made with pantry staples and comes together in 30 minutes

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 557 kcal
Course: Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 12 ounces basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 8 ounces pasta *See notes
  • Chopped basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Add the flour and toss to coat.
  3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until browned, Add extra oil, if needed. Remove from the skillet and reserve.
  4. To the same skillet, add the butter and saute the onions for about 3 - 4 minutes or until they become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for a minute.
  5. Deglaze the skillet by adding the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to remove the brown bits. Bring to a boil. Stir in the pesto and lower the heat. Add the half and half and garlic powder. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Return the chicken and any collected juices to the skillet and toss to coat. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix well.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and toss gently. Add some of the cooking water only if a creamier consistency is desired. Serve warm garnished with chopped basil (optional).

Notes

  • When cooking this creamy pasta recipe, make sure the sauce doesn't boil as it can separate.
  • Pasta dishes are best served immediately after tossing the pasta with the sauce. If you wait too long to serve it, the pasta tends to dry up.
  • If your pasta gets too dry, add additional pasta cooking water to make the pasta creamier again.
  • You can use your favorite short pasta.

Nutrition Information

Calories 557kcal (28%) Carbohydrates 37g (12%) Protein 27g (54%) Fat 32g (49%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Cholesterol 71mg (24%) Sodium 922mg (38%) Potassium 454mg (13%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 1360IU (27%) Vitamin C 5.3mg (6%) Calcium 234mg (23%) Iron 1.4mg (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 557

% Daily Value*

Calories 557kcal 28%
Carbohydrates 37g 12%
Protein 27g 54%
Fat 32g 49%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 71mg 24%
Sodium 922mg 38%
Potassium 454mg 10%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 1360IU 27%
Vitamin C 5.3mg 6%
Calcium 234mg 23%
Iron 1.4mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.