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
Scale
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
