Chicken Pesto Pasta

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that brings together the flavors of Italy in one delightful meal, and that’s exactly what Chicken Pesto Pasta does. I still remember the first time I stumbled upon this recipe; it was a busy weeknight, and I needed something quick yet satisfying. The aroma of basil filled the kitchen as I prepared the pasta, and in no time, I was indulging in a creamy, savory dish that felt like a warm hug. Each bite is a perfect balance of chicken, pesto, and cream, making it an instant favorite not just for me, but for my family too. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple weeknight dinner, Chicken Pesto Pasta is sure to impress.

What’s In This Chicken Pesto Pasta

The essence of Chicken Pesto Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each plays a vital role in creating the harmonious dish we crave. The star ingredients are the pasta, pesto, and chicken, which combine beautifully to create a creamy, dreamy sauce that clings to every noodle.

• 1 pound tortellini pasta or other short cut pasta like rotini: A hearty base for the dish, ensuring each bite is filled with flavor.
• 1 cup prepared pesto: The vibrant, herbaceous sauce that brings a burst of flavor to the dish.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This adds a rich creaminess that transforms the pesto into a luscious sauce.
• 1 cup reserved hot pasta water: Essential for adjusting sauce consistency; it’s liquid gold!
• 2 cups chicken thighs shredded, about 4 chicken thighs: The protein that adds heartiness and a satisfying element to the dish.
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes: These add a delightful sweetness and tang that pairs perfectly with the pesto.
• Salt & pepper to taste: Always essential for enhancing the flavors in any dish.
• Toasted pine nuts: A lovely garnish that adds texture and a nutty flavor.
• Grated parmesan: A sprinkle of this cheese elevates the dish to new heights.
• Fresh basil: The perfect fresh herb to finish off the dish.

Step by Step Instructions for Chicken Pesto Pasta

Cooking Chicken Pesto Pasta is an enjoyable experience, and I promise you’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen. Follow these steps to create a dish that’s sure to impress.

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Once boiling, salt it liberally. Add in your pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. This usually takes about eight to ten minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Before draining the pasta, reserve about one cup of the cooking liquid. This water is crucial for adjusting the sauce later, so don’t forget it! Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Return the empty pot to medium-low heat. Add in the heavy cream and pesto (homemade or store-bought) to the pot. Use a whisk to combine them thoroughly, creating a smooth sauce.
4. Once the sauce is well-mixed and warmed through, toss in the cooked pasta along with the shredded chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything together gently to ensure all the noodles are coated with the creamy sauce.
5. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. You want the sauce to cling beautifully to the pasta.
6. Now it’s time to taste! Add in salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors of your Chicken Pesto Pasta. Adjust according to your preference.
7. Once everything is combined and seasoned, it’s time to garnish! Serve each plate with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, grated parmesan, and a few fresh basil leaves on top for that extra pop of flavor.
8. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta warm, and savor each bite!

Make It Your Own

Everyone loves to experiment in the kitchen! Here are some tips to customize your Chicken Pesto Pasta to suit your taste.

• Vegetable Additions: Toss in some seasonal vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Protein Variations: While chicken is delicious, feel free to swap it for shrimp or even a plant-based protein for a twist on this classic dish.
• Homemade Pesto: Making your own pesto can elevate the dish; try adding nuts or cheese of your choice for a unique flavor.
• Serving Options: Serve your Chicken Pesto Pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen in portions for easy meals later on. Just reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
• Pairing: Pair with a simple green salad and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Chicken Pesto Pasta, there are endless possibilities to make it shine:

• Family Dinners: This dish is perfect for family gatherings, where everyone can bring their own twist to the table.
• Special Occasions: Serve it up during holiday gatherings or anniversaries to impress your guests with this delightful dish.
• Casual Lunches: It’s also great for a quick lunch. Just heat it up and enjoy!
• Seasonal Pairings: In the summer, fresh tomatoes and basil pair perfectly with this dish to enhance the flavor.
• Storage Tips: Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container; it keeps well for a few days.
• Garnishing: Don’t forget extra parmesan and fresh basil on top when serving for that restaurant-style finish!

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite. The creamy texture and vibrant flavors make it a favorite for family dinners or any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Chicken Pesto Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Pesto Pasta is creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Made with tender chicken, fresh pesto, and pasta, it’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner that will leave your family craving more.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound tortellini pasta or other short cut pasta like rotini
• 1 cup prepared pesto
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup reserved hot pasta water
• 2 cups chicken thighs shredded, about 4 chicken thighs
• 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes
• salt & pepper to taste
• toasted pine nuts
• grated parmesan
• fresh basil

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Whisk
• Grater

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Salt liberally, pour in pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of cooking liquid, drain pasta and set aside.
2. Return hot pot to medium low heat. Add heavy cream and pesto to the pot, whisking to combine well.
3. Toss in the pasta, chicken, and sun dried tomatoes using the reserved cooking liquid as needed to loosen the sauce and coat every noodle. Taste and add in salt and pepper as needed.
4. Garnish with toasted pine nuts, grated parmesan and fresh basil (optional) and serve.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen in portions for easy meals later on. Just reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
• Pairing: Pair with a simple green salad and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

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Meet Chloe Bennett

I started this blog to document the rustic, comforting food I love to make. I’m the “Pine” of the group I’m all about hearty stews, wood-fired cooking, and cozy, one-pot meals. I brought my best friends on board to make this a shared journal of our adventures. I work closely with Maya to develop our main courses and do most of the writing for our posts.