Super Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
797 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Super Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Description
This recipe starts with boiling pasta until just tender, then cooking bite-sized chicken strips in olive oil until no longer pink on the outside. Pesto and heavy cream are added to the skillet to form a smooth sauce that simmers to meld flavors. The drained pasta is combined with the sauce and chicken, coating each piece evenly.
The resulting dish is creamy from the heavy cream, with the aromatic, herb-forward flavor of pesto spreading throughout. The chicken adds protein and texture without overpowering the sauce. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors, and freshly grated Parmesan can enhance richness and depth.
This pasta serves well as a straightforward main dish. It benefits from cooking the chicken just until lightly done before finishing in the sauce to maintain juiciness. Using preferred pesto—homemade or store-bought—customizes the recipe easily. The straightforward ingredients and method make it approachable for various meal occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta I used penne, uncooked
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 chicken breast cut into bite-size strips
- 1 cup pesto click for my recipe or use your favorite store bought
- 1 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- Parmesan Cheese optional, to taste, freshly grated
Instructions
- Boil a large, salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, add the olive oil and chicken to a skillet and stir until coated. Sauté over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, until no longer pink on the outside but not fully cooked inside. It's ok if it doesn't brown.
- Add the pesto and cream to the pan, give it a good stir, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Season with salt & pepper as needed and top with parmesan if using.
Notes
- Use your preferred brand of pesto, such as DeLallo, for consistent flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 797 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 797kcal | 40% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 50g | 77% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 145mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 730mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 601mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 2158IU | 43% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 157mg | 16% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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