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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delicious, simple weeknight dinner recipe perfect for family meals.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 764 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Casserole Dish
  • Pot

Ingredients
  

Roasted Tomatoes

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

Chicken Pesto Pasta

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 lb chicken breast skinless, boneless
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • 8 oz pasta bow-tie, penne, or fusilli
  • ¼ cup basil pesto
  • ½ cup heavy cream optional
  • ¼ cup pine nuts optional

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 400 F. Toss cherry tomatoes, sliced in half, with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and minced garlic. Spread in a casserole dish. Roast for about 20 minutes while you prepare the pasta.
  • Prepare the chicken by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and paprika. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally if using large chicken breasts.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove chicken to a plate and slice it thinly.
  • Bring a pot of water to boil, then cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
  • Add cooked and drained pasta, basil pesto, and cream to the skillet. Stir gently and bring to a simmer to coat pasta with sauce.
  • Top with sliced cooked chicken, roasted tomatoes, and pine nuts if desired. Season with extra salt and pepper or add crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

Consider using leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time. Cream is optional for added creaminess. Adjust seasonings and toppings to your preference.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 764kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 47gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 151mgSodium: 511mgPotassium: 997mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1212IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 3mg
Keyword chicken pasta, Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, Easy Dinner, family recipes, pasta recipes, weeknight meals
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