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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

A delicious and creamy chicken pesto pasta featuring tender roasted cherry tomatoes, juicy pan-seared chicken breasts, and a rich basil pesto cream sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, combining fresh ingredients and simple techniques for a flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Roasted Tomatoes

  • 10 oz cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Chicken

  • 1.5 lb chicken breast (2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced horizontally)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking

Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 oz pasta (bow-tie, penne, or fusilli)
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the minced garlic, then spread them evenly in a casserole dish. Roast for about 20 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets for even cooking. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika to infuse the chicken with subtle flavors.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and slice thinly.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve a little pasta water if needed for thinning the sauce.
  5. Prepare the Sauce and Combine: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the cooked pasta, basil pesto, and heavy cream. Gently stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat each pasta piece evenly.
  6. Assemble the Dish: Plate the creamy pesto pasta and top with the sliced chicken, roasted cherry tomatoes, and pine nuts if using. Adjust seasoning with extra salt, black pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes according to taste before serving.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
  • Pine nuts add a lovely crunch but can be omitted or replaced with toasted walnuts or almonds if preferred.
  • Fresh basil pesto enhances flavor, but store-bought pesto works well in a pinch.
  • To keep pasta from drying out, save a small amount of pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pesto pasta, roasted cherry tomatoes, basil pesto pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, Italian creamy pasta

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/creamy-chicken-pesto-pasta-recipe/