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4.9 from 33 votes

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

My pesto chicken pasta is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with meat and veggies. Make this easy Italian dinner recipe in just 30 minutes!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
32 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 877 kcal
Course: Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts chopped
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup pesto
  • 1/2 cup half and half cream (or heavy cream)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese optional
  • 3 cups cooked penne pasta
  • 1 cup small cherry tomatoes

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken. Cut into 1-inch pieces and toss with salt and flour to coat.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat add the oil and sauté the chicken. Turn to brown on all sides. Add more oil if needed. Transfer to a platter and keep warm (See Note 1).
  3. Add the diced onion and sauté for two minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the chicken stock and deglaze the pan by scrapping up bits of browned food on bottom of pan and bring to a boil. Add the pesto (reserving 2 tablespoons) and lower heat to simmer. Stir to incorporate and add the cream (See Note 2). Allow to reduce and thicken for several minutes. Add the chicken and platter juices back to the pan and toss to coat.
  5. Add the cooked pasta, tomatoes and stir. Serve warm with reserved pesto on top.

Notes

  • I place the platter in the microwave to stay warm, but don't turn it on.
  • Adding the half cup of Parmesan cheese is optional, but adds a richness that's so good to the sauce.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1oz Calories 877kcal (44%) Carbohydrates 52g (17%) Protein 33.5g (67%) Fat 60.8g (94%) Saturated Fat 4.4g (22%) Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 71mg (24%) Sodium 1181.1mg (49%) Fiber 4.5g (18%) Sugar 5.6g (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 877

% Daily Value*

Serving 1oz
Calories 877kcal 44%
Carbohydrates 52g 17%
Protein 33.5g 67%
Fat 60.8g 94%
Saturated Fat 4.4g 22%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 71mg 24%
Sodium 1181.1mg 49%
Fiber 4.5g 18%
Sugar 5.6g 11%

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