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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, basil pesto, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 12 oz pasta penne or fettuccine
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast sliced or cubed
Pesto Cream Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Garnish
  • fresh basil leaves
  • extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Large pot

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese until a creamy sauce forms.
  5. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in sauce.
  6. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, then garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Use high-quality pesto for the best flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.