Creamy Pesto Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
525 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Pesto Pasta
Description
The Creamy Pesto Pasta recipe brings together tender cubes of chicken seasoned with dried basil and oregano, gently browned before being removed from the pan. A roux is created with butter and flour, to which chicken broth, heavy cream, and half and half are added and simmered until slightly thickened. Parmesan cheese and basil pesto stirred into the blend infuse the sauce with savory depth and herbaceous brightness. Tossing cooked spaghetti in this sauce allows it to absorb the flavors and creates a creamy coating. The reserved pasta water can be added as needed for a silkier sauce.
The balance of dairy and pesto produces a mild but flavorful sauce that clings to the spaghetti and cooked chicken, providing both richness and herbal freshness. The herbs in the chicken complement the pesto's basil, while Parmesan adds umami and nuttiness. The dish can be garnished with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, or extra Parmesan to add texture and visual appeal.
This pasta is suitable for a filling dinner or lunch offering protein and creamy sauce with familiar Italian elements. Variations in garnishes and pasta choice are possible according to preference. Overall, it combines seasoned poultry, a velvet sauce, and herb layers into a straightforward pasta dish easy to prepare and serve.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 chicken breast about 1 lb, diced into ½ inch cubes, boneless skinless
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup half and half
- ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 12 ounces spaghetti about ⅔ package, brand Sam’s Choice Italia
- ½ cup basil pesto brand Sam’s Choice Italia
Garnish (optional)
- basil
- Parmesan Cheese
- pine nuts
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
- In a pan, heat olive oil. Season chicken with dried basil, oregano, salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to and cook until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan add the butter and flour. Stir until smooth and cook 2-3 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream and half and half. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat, and stir in parmesan cheese and pesto.
- Add cooked pasta to the pesto sauce and toss. Add additional pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Garnish with basil, pine nuts and parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Nutrition information excludes optional garnish ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 525 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 525 | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 80mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 556mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 483mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 750IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 2.1mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 230mg | 23% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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