Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight

Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes? Looking for a recipe that’s both quick and bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is the perfect solution. It’s a vibrant, satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. Forget the predictable red sauce; this recipe champions the bright, herbaceous flavors of pesto, complemented by creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta.

This dish is incredibly versatile too. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

## Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of pesto, cream, and chicken is a taste sensation.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable to your preferences.
* **Satisfying:** A hearty and fulfilling meal.
* **Impressive:** Looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (penne, farfalle, fusilli, and rotini work well).
* **Chicken:** 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
* **Pesto:** 1/2 cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade).
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup heavy cream.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup chicken broth.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Cherry tomatoes (halved), spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, pine nuts.

**A Note on Ingredients:**

* **Pasta:** Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. Shorter, tubular shapes like penne or rotini tend to hold the sauce well. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
* **Pesto:** Homemade pesto is always the best! If you’re short on time, store-bought pesto works just fine. Look for a high-quality pesto with fresh basil and good-quality olive oil. Consider making a batch of pesto in advance and freezing it in ice cube trays for easy use.
* **Chicken:** Chicken thighs can also be used in place of chicken breasts. They’ll take a bit longer to cook, but they’re incredibly flavorful and juicy. You could also use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save even more time.
* **Heavy Cream:** For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or milk. However, the sauce won’t be as creamy. Consider adding a tablespoon of cream cheese for added richness.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always preferred. It melts beautifully into the sauce and adds a delicious nutty flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano cheese.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta.

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

**Why reserve pasta water?** The starchy pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

**Step 2: Cook the Chicken**

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the chicken until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes), making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Tip:** Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure that it browns evenly.

**Step 3: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce**

1. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds extra flavor to the sauce (deglazing the pan).
2. Add the heavy cream and pesto to the skillet and stir to combine.
3. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Be careful not to boil the sauce.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

**Tip:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue simmering it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.

**Step 4: Combine and Serve**

1. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce.
2. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.
3. If desired, add any optional add-ins such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil, if desired.

## Variations and Add-ins

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique version.

* **Vegetables:** Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for extra flavor and nutrients.
* **Protein:** Substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or tofu.
* **Cheese:** Try adding different types of cheese like mozzarella, ricotta, or goat cheese.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Nuts:** Toasted pine nuts or walnuts add a nice crunch.
* **Lemon:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavor of the dish.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t overcook the pasta:** Cook the pasta until it is al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the sauce.
* **Use fresh ingredients:** Fresh pesto and Parmesan cheese will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Taste as you go:** Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. You may need to add more or less depending on your preferences.
* **Don’t boil the cream sauce:** Boiling the cream sauce can cause it to separate. Simmer it gently until it has thickened.
* **Serve immediately:** This dish is best served immediately while it is still warm and creamy.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own. However, you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
* **Garlic Bread:** Toasted garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** A side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
* **Caprese Salad:** A classic Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.

## Storage and Reheating

**Storage:** Store leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

**Reheating:** Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Avoid overheating, as the cream sauce can separate.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: While the pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine everything together.

**Q: Can I freeze this dish?**
A: Freezing this dish is not recommended as the cream sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately if desired.

**Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?**
A: Yes, feel free to use any type of pasta you like. Penne, farfalle, fusilli, and rotini are all good options.

**Q: Can I make this recipe without chicken?**
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken or substituting it with tofu or vegetables.

**Q: Can I use store-bought pesto?**
A: Yes, store-bought pesto works just fine. Look for a high-quality pesto with fresh basil and good-quality olive oil.

## Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for your convenience.

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pasta (penne, farfalle, fusilli, rotini, etc.)
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup prepared pesto
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Cherry tomatoes, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, pine nuts

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Add the heavy cream and pesto to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce.
10. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce. Add any optional add-ins, if desired.
11. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil, if desired.

Enjoy this delectable Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta! It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Remember to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own. Happy cooking!