Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Delight

$- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup basil pesto - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes - Fresh basil leaves for garnish {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once it’s rolling, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it until it’s al dente, following the package instructions. After cooking, drain the pasta but save 1/2 cup of the starchy water. Set the pasta aside for later. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, take the chicken out and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, add 2 cups of fresh baby spinach. Sauté the spinach for 2-3 minutes until it wilts. Lower the heat to medium-low, then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir this mixture well with the spinach. Gradually stir in 1/2 cup of basil pesto and 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out. Now, add the cooked penne pasta and the sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Don’t forget to throw in 1/4 cup of roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Gently toss everything in the creamy sauce. Heat it for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are warm and flavors blend well. Transfer the creamy pesto chicken pasta to serving plates. For a lovely finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious meal! - Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness. This water has starch that helps. - Mix the sauce well to ensure all ingredients blend. This gives a smooth texture. - Be careful not to overcook the chicken. It can turn dry and tough. - A meat thermometer can help. Cook chicken to 165°F for safety and juiciness. - Cook the penne until al dente. This means it should be firm, not mushy. - If needed, rinse the pasta briefly. This will stop the cooking process and help it stay firm. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh basil pesto and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish and provide a rich taste. Customize the Protein: Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein like tofu for a different flavor profile and dietary preferences. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a slightly thinner consistency. Don't Skip the Garnish: Fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese not only enhance the dish's appearance but also add a burst of flavor at the end. {{image_4}} You can make this dish vegetarian. Just swap the chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas. Mushrooms add a nice, meaty texture. Chickpeas bring a good source of protein. Both options absorb the pesto sauce well. This way, you keep the creamy, delicious taste without meat. Want to switch things up? Try a different nut-based pesto. You can find flavors like sun-dried tomato or walnut. These will give the dish a new twist. You can also use Alfredo sauce instead of pesto. It creates a rich, creamy sauce that pairs well with pasta. To add more depth, toss in garlic or onions. Sauté them with the chicken for a burst of flavor. You can also include seasonal vegetables like zucchini. Slice the zucchini and add it to the skillet with the spinach. This not only boosts nutrition but also makes your dish more colorful. Store your creamy pesto chicken pasta in airtight containers. This keeps the dish fresh. Make sure to cool the pasta before sealing it. It can last up to three days in the fridge. You can easily reheat this pasta. Use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between bursts for even heating. On the stovetop, add a splash of water or cream to help it reheat without drying out. If you want to freeze the dish, do it right after making it. Place it in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave until warm. This method keeps the flavors intact. To make creamy pesto chicken pasta, follow these steps: 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook 8 oz of penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the water, then drain the pasta. 2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. Add 2 diced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden. Set aside. 3. Prepare the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add 2 cups of spinach and sauté until wilted. Lower heat, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, and mix well. 4. Mix in the Pesto: Stir in 1/2 cup of basil pesto and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan until smooth. If it's thick, add some reserved pasta water. 5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes. Toss to coat everything in the sauce and heat for 2-3 minutes. 6. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Yes, you can use different pasta types. Here are some great options: - Fusilli: Its spiral shape holds sauce well. - Farfalle: The bow-tie shape adds fun to the dish. - Spaghetti: Classic choice, great for any sauce. Feel free to choose what you like best! Yes, creamy pesto chicken pasta is great for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Cook in Advance: Make the dish and let it cool before storing. - Use Airtight Containers: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. - Reheat Gently: Use a microwave or stovetop with a splash of water to keep it creamy. This dish pairs well with many sides. Consider these options: - Garlic Bread: A crunchy side that complements the creaminess. - Caesar Salad: Fresh greens and tangy dressing balance the meal. - Roasted Vegetables: Add color and nutrients to your plate. These sides enhance the dining experience! In this post, I shared how to make a delicious creamy pesto chicken pasta. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for perfecting your sauce. Don’t forget the options for variations and how to store leftovers. This dish is easy to prepare and can fit many diets. Whether you choose chicken, veggies, or different sauces, you can customize it to your taste. Enjoy creating this comforting meal anytime!$

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, pesto, and fresh spinach.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup store-bought or homemade basil pesto
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
1 4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water. Set the cooked pasta aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced chicken breasts, season generously with salt and pepper, and sauté until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the fresh baby spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down. Next, lower the heat to medium-low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir well to combine with the spinach.
Gradually stir in the basil pesto and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
Add the cooked penne pasta and the sautéed chicken back into the skillet along with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Gently toss everything together in the sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld beautifully.
Transfer the creamy pesto chicken pasta to serving plates. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For an elegant touch, consider serving the pasta in shallow bowls, drizzling a little extra pesto on top, and placing a few whole sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color.

Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta, pesto