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If you are looking for a dish that wraps comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance all in one bowl, then you absolutely need to try this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe. It brings together tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a luscious, cheesy pesto sauce that will brighten your plate and warm your soul. This recipe is easy enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough to serve when friends come over—it’s truly a crowd-pleaser that turns everyday ingredients into an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is part of what makes this dish so memorable. Each component is simple but essential, contributing its own wonderful flavor, texture, and color to make this pasta truly shine.
- Penne pasta: This sturdy pasta shape holds the creamy pesto sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, these provide the hearty protein that makes this dish satisfyingly filling.
- Olive oil: Used to sautée the chicken and garlic, it adds a subtle richness and a hint of fruity aroma.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a punch of savory aroma that awakens the senses.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A fragrant blend that complements the chicken with classic Mediterranean herbs.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Creates the creamy base of the sauce and contributes a silky mouthfeel.
- Flour (2 tbsp): Works as the thickening agent in the sauce, ensuring it clings to the pasta perfectly.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds a savory depth and helps thin the sauce to the right consistency.
- Half and half (1 cup): Brings a luscious creaminess without being too heavy, balancing richness beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the sauce to the next level.
- Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Melts into a dreamy, gooey texture that binds everything together.
- Pesto (1/2 cup): The star of the show here, providing fresh basil, pine nuts, and garlic flavors that brighten the sauce.
- Fresh basil and black pepper: Simple garnishes that add a burst of color and a final touch of seasoning.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start with cooking the penne pasta al dente according to the package instructions. This ensures the pasta remains slightly firm, holding up beautifully against the rich sauce. Once done, drain and set the pasta aside; it will be coming back to the pan soon for its flavorful rendezvous.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Warm your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to let their aromas bloom before adding the chicken breasts. Season well with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is beautifully golden outside but juicy and fully cooked inside. Once ready, remove the chicken and let it rest while you prepare the sauce — juicy chicken pieces will be added back later for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Keep stirring until the mix turns a lovely golden color, a signal that your roux is perfectly cooked. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and half and half while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until you see it thicken to a creamy consistency that will cling to pasta and chicken effortlessly.
Step 4: Add Pesto and Cheeses
Remove the skillet from heat and swirl in the pesto, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until everything melts into a smooth, glossy sauce that’s packed with layers of flavors — from the herbal brightness of the pesto to the rich tanginess of the cheeses.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Now it’s time for the magic moment — add the cooked penne and chicken back into the sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece of pasta and chicken breast is bathed in that luscious creamy pesto sauce. The result will be a tantalizing combination that’s as satisfying to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe to serving bowls or a big family platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a few twists of black pepper. Now, dig in and enjoy a dish that feels like a warm, delicious hug in every forkful!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are your go-to garnish, lending not just a pop of inviting green color but also a fragrant, herbaceous highlight. A generous grind of black pepper on top adds a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads like a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness and refreshes your palate. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or green beans add vibrant color and complementary textures to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinners, serve this dish straight from a large skillet for a cozy, family-style vibe. For a fancy twist, plate individual servings garnished with basil chiffonade and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You can also stuff bell peppers with this creamy pesto mixture and bake them for a unique presentation that delights guests and kids alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this delectable Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe, store any leftover portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a delightful lunch or dinner option for the next day. Keep refrigerated for up to three days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, it freezes well. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to two months. When planning ahead, you can prepare the pasta fully and freeze it, though the texture of the sauce may slightly change — simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce feels thickened from refrigeration. Stir regularly to ensure even heating and keep the creamy texture smooth. Avoid microwaving at full power to prevent a rubbery chicken texture and desserts-like sauce separation.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, you can substitute with fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it al dente to maintain the perfect bite and texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like roasted mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts. You can also use a plant-based chicken substitute to keep that satisfying protein element.
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Definitely. Quality store-bought pesto can save time and still provide the fresh basil flavor needed for this dish. Just be sure it’s a good brand with fresh ingredients to keep the sauce vibrant.
What can I substitute for half and half?
If you don’t have half and half on hand, you can mix equal parts whole milk and heavy cream as a perfect substitute. This keeps the sauce creamy without being too heavy or watery.
How do I make sure the chicken stays tender?
Cooking the chicken over medium heat until just cooked and moist is key. Avoid overcooking, and letting it rest before slicing or adding back to the sauce will keep it juicy and tender in your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe has all the qualities of a dish you’ll want to turn to again and again. It’s comforting, creamy, and bursting with fresh herb and cheese flavors while being wonderfully simple to make. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy night or treating friends to something special, this recipe brings warmth and joy to your table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to pasta!
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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a comforting and flavorful family favorite, combining tender chicken breasts, al dente penne pasta, and a rich pesto-infused creamy sauce made with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Black pepper, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside to be combined later.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring briefly to release aromas. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they are no longer pink in the center and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture turns golden brown. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half and half. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Add Pesto and Cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the pesto, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese until the cheeses have fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken pesto pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in garlic and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
- You can substitute half and half with heavy cream for a richer sauce or with milk for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener and gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
