When it comes to a versatile and comforting dish, nothing beats a chicken pesto pasta recipe. It’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavors that remind you of a warm bowl of joy from your favorite Italian restaurant. With its creamy sauce and the rich taste of basil pesto, this dish truly elevates any meal, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a date night-worthy occasion. In my opinion, pesto chicken pasta strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and a slightly lighter, more Mediterranean way of eating. The combination of tender chicken, penne pasta, and basil pesto is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. I highly recommend serving this on special nights when you want to impress, yet keep things simple. It’s equally fitting for casual gatherings with friends who love delicious, homemade comfort food.
How to Choose the Right Ingredients
Which Chicken Should You Use?
Choosing the right chicken is crucial to making this creamy chicken pesto pasta perfect. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts as they’re easy to cook and become tender when done right. Always choose fresh chicken over frozen for the best texture and flavor. If you want something more luxurious, you can opt for organic or free-range chicken, which tends to be juicier and slightly richer in taste.
What About the Pesto?
Pesto is the star of this pasta recipe, so it’s essential to pick the right kind. You can either go for store-bought pesto for convenience or make homemade basil pesto if you have extra time. Homemade pesto has a more delicate, aromatic quality thanks to fresh basil leaves, garlic, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. If you want the dish to have bright bursts of flavor, homemade pesto is the way to go. However, store-bought options can work well if you’re short on time. Look for a brand that emphasizes freshness and uses high-quality olive oil and basil.
Seasoning: How to Bring Out the Flavors
What’s the Best Way to Season Your Chicken?
Seasoning chicken well before cooking is key to a flavorful dish. Use a simple mix of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to coat your chicken before sautéing it in olive oil. This blend brings out the Mediterranean flair and pairs perfectly with the basil pesto. For an extra kick, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the dish a slight heat that complements the creamy sauce.
Recommended Cooking Equipment
Which Tools Will Make Your Cooking Easier?
To make this chicken pesto pasta recipe a breeze, a few kitchen tools will come in handy. First, a non-stick skillet is perfect for cooking the chicken and making sure it stays tender. A large pot for boiling your penne pasta is also essential—make sure it’s big enough so that the pasta can cook evenly without sticking together. A good quality food processor is a must if you’re making your own homemade basil pesto. It will help you achieve that smooth, velvety texture that brings this dish together. For grating parmesan, use a fine grater to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
Once your pasta is cooked, I recommend using tongs to mix the pesto and pasta evenly, ensuring every piece is coated in that luxurious pesto sauce. A spatula is helpful for scraping every last bit of pesto from your food processor or jar, ensuring no delicious sauce goes to waste.
Comprehensive Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Chicken pesto pasta recipe is one of my favorite comfort dishes. The creamy pesto sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a way that feels both indulgent and satisfying. It's a meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, bringing joy and warmth to every bite.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (2 boneless, skinless)
- Penne pasta (300g)
- Basil pesto (1/2 cup, homemade or store-bought)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
- Basil leaves (for garnish)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (optional, 1/4 cup chopped)
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, 1/2 teaspoon for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and slice it into thin strips.
- Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream. Stir it gently for 2 minutes before adding the basil pesto and grated parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes until it becomes a creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, stirring everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the velvety basil pesto sauce. Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor if desired. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 450Total Fat: 22gSodium: 450mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 3gProtein: 28g
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
A dish like creamy chicken pesto pasta pairs well with a variety of sides, enhancing its Italian-inspired flavors. For a lighter meal, serve with a simple green salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Garlic bread or focaccia is another great side, perfect for soaking up the extra creamy pesto sauce.
For an extra Italian twist, consider adding a Mediterranean-style side of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes, tossed in olive oil and Italian herbs. These sides bring balance and variety to the richness of the pasta.
Cooking Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking pasta al dente is key to achieving the perfect texture in this dish. Overcooked pasta will make the dish soggy, while undercooked pasta won’t properly absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil leaves and good quality olive oil make all the difference. If possible, opt for homemade basil pesto instead of store-bought for that delicate, aromatic quality that elevates the dish.
- Season the Chicken Well: Properly seasoning the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper will enhance its flavor. Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly but avoid overcooking, as this can result in dry meat.
- Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a nutty richness that balances the creamy sauce. Grate it fresh for the best results, and stir it into the sauce while it’s still simmering to allow it to melt smoothly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Much Pesto: While pesto is delicious, too much of it can overwhelm the dish and make it too oily. Stick to the recommended 1/2 cup for the best balance of flavors.
- Skipping the Heavy Cream: For a truly indulgent dish, don’t leave out the heavy cream. It turns the sauce into a silky, rich base that perfectly coats the pasta and chicken.
- Not Resting the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Conclusion
This chicken pesto pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a luxurious twist. The combination of tender chicken breasts, penne pasta, and the creamy sauce made from basil pesto, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like date night, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with a range of sides, from simple salads to roasted vegetables.
Enjoy this flavorful, Italian-style comfort dish joyfully and with balance, knowing that every bite is bursting with the best of the Mediterranean diet. Now that you have this share-worthy recipe in hand, it’s time to cook and enjoy this pesto chicken pasta with family and friends.
Happy cooking!
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I’m Calvin Lamb, an LA-based culinary enthusiast with a decade’s experience in five-star kitchens. My innovative dishes, inspired by seasonal flavors and sustainable practices, blend classic and modern cuisine. Besides crafting unique culinary experiences, I relish exploring new eateries and devising fresh recipes.