.jpg)
10 months ago
54
PROTECT YOUR DNA WITH QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayThis post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Seasoned chunks of chicken breast are simmered in a creamy basil pesto sauce with tender spaghetti. It’s a full meal that’s easy to make any day of the week!
- Flavor: Creamy, cheesy pesto sauce with tender bites of chicken and pasta.
- Skill Level: This recipe comes together fast using ready-made pesto and basic pantry ingredients.
- Budget Tip: Add extra pasta to stretch the meal further.
- Swaps: Make it a meatless meal and swap out the chicken for mixed veggies. Swap for rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies for a full meal.
Ingredients Tips for Pesto Pasta
- Creamy Pesto Sauce: Jarred pesto makes this dish a cinch. But if your garden is brimming with basil, make a homemade version and have lots left over.
- Pasta: Spaghetti is a great choice for creamy pesto pasta. It cooks quickly and holds just the right amount of sauce in every bite. It keeps the dish light and simple, and chances are you’ve already got some in the pantry! If you’re out of spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or even penne, they work just as well.
- Chicken: Use fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken cutlets. If short on time, try a bag of frozen chicken meatballs (add in Step 7 and heat through).
- Variations: Feel free to add diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped spinach or kale.
- For the best results, cook the pasta to al dente since it will continue to cook when added to the sauce. Be sure to reserve a little pasta sauce in case you need to thicken the sauce in Step 7.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and a little bit of everything gets onto every forkful.
- Remove the skillet from the heat in Step 6 to stir in the parmesan cheese and pesto to prevent the dairy from scalding.
Leftovers
Keep leftover chicken pesto pasta in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy it chilled for an easy workday lunch or reheat in the microwave with a little milk added to loosen the sauce.
It’s not recommended to freeze this recipe due to the high amount of dairy, which will become grainy once thawed.
Serve Pesto Pasta With…
Did you enjoy this Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.
5 from 14 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!
Creamy Pesto Pasta
Creamy pesto pasta combines tender spaghetti and juicy chicken in a deliciously rich creamy pesto sauce for the perfect family meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
- ▢ 12 ounces spaghetti about ⅔ package
- ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ▢ 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 lb, diced into ½ inch cubes
- ▢ ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ▢ ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ▢ salt and pepper to taste
- ▢ 1 tablespoon butter
- ▢ 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ▢ 1 cup half and half
- ▢ ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ▢ ⅓ cup chicken broth
- ▢ ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ▢ ½ cup pesto
Garnish (optional)
- ▢ Basil
- ▢ Parmesan Cheese
- ▢ Pine Nuts
In a large pot, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken to the pan and cook until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the butter and flour. Stir until smooth and cook 2-3 minutes.
Add half and half, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat, and stir in parmesan cheese and pesto.
Add cooked pasta to the pesto sauce and toss. Add additional pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Return the chicken to the pan.
Garnish with basil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition information does not include garnish.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Calories: 525 | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 556mg | Potassium: 483mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 750IU | Vitamin C: 2.1mg | Calcium: 230mg | Iron: 1.3mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Chicken, Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine American
© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
This delicious dish is sponsored by Walmart and SheKnows Media.
I am excited to have partnered with Walmart & SheKnows Media to bring you this pesto pasta recipe. While I was compensated, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Working with great brands I love allows me to keep bringing you the great recipes you love!
Recipes you'll love
About the author
Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
See more posts by Holly
Free eBook!
Subscribe to receive weekly recipes and get a FREE Bonus e-book: Quick & Easy Weeknight Meals!
You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of emails you receive.
English (US) ·