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- Pasta choices: You can use 8 oz of fusilli or penne. Both shapes hold the sauce well. - Chicken preparation: Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Dice them into bite-sized cubes for even cooking. - Pesto options: Use 1 cup of homemade pesto for freshness or a quality store-bought pesto for convenience. - Heavy cream and its role: One cup of heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. It blends well with pesto to create a smooth texture. - Olive oil usage: Use 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for cooking the chicken. It adds flavor and helps prevent sticking. - Parmesan cheese and seasoning: Stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It adds depth and a savory note. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use enough salt to make the water taste like the sea. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of pasta. Fusilli or penne works best. Cook according to the package instructions. Stir the pasta occasionally. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta but save a small cup of the pasta water for later. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is key. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will not sear well. Add 2 diced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate to keep warm. In the same skillet, lower the heat a bit. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Stir often to avoid burning. After a minute, mix in 1 cup of pesto. Stir well until the sauce is creamy and bright green. This is where the magic happens! Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh baby spinach. Stir everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to soften a bit. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss it all together. This ensures every piece of pasta gets coated in that creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, drizzle in a bit of the reserved pasta water. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you need to. To cook pasta just right, pay attention to your timing. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt helps the pasta gain flavor. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta. Check the package for the time needed to reach al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Keep a cup of pasta water before you drain it. This water has starch, which helps thicken and flavor the sauce later. If your sauce is too thick, just add a bit of this pasta water for a creamy texture. To make your dish shine, consider adding more spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can also brighten up the flavor. Choosing between homemade or store-bought pesto can change your dish. Homemade pesto often tastes fresher. However, a good quality store-bought pesto can save time and still taste great. Serving matters as much as taste. Use deep pasta bowls for a nice look. This way, the sauce stays pooled at the bottom, making it inviting. Add color by topping your dish with fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of olive oil can also add shine and depth. Finish with more grated Parmesan cheese for a gourmet touch. These small touches turn your meal into a feast for the eyes. Pro Tips Use Quality Pesto: A good-quality pesto elevates the dish significantly. If time allows, try making your own for the freshest flavor! Perfect Pasta Cook Time: Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce, ensuring it stays firm. Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition! Save Pasta Water: Always reserve a cup of pasta water. It’s perfect for adjusting the sauce consistency and helps it cling better to the pasta. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in your creamy pesto chicken pasta. Shrimp adds a sweet, tender bite. Just sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink. Tofu is a great choice too. For a veggie option, use chickpeas or mixed vegetables. Both options keep the dish hearty and delicious. If you need a gluten-free meal, don’t worry! You can swap traditional pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste good and cook well. Just follow the package instructions for the best results. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy pasta dish. Want to take your dish to the next level? Add sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes for extra flavor. They give a nice tang that pairs well with the creamy sauce. You can also mix in different cheeses. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture or goat cheese for a tangy kick. These simple changes make your creamy pesto chicken pasta even more exciting! You can store leftovers of creamy pesto chicken pasta in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to place the pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead. To freeze creamy pasta, let it cool first. Once cool, place it in a freezer-safe container. Use plastic wrap or foil to cover it tightly. This prevents freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat for the best texture. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to keep it creamy. Leftover creamy pesto chicken pasta is great for quick meals. You can turn it into a pasta bake. Just add some cheese on top and bake until bubbly. Another idea is to mix it into a salad for a fresh twist. You can also stir in some veggies or beans for extra flavor and nutrition. If you lack pesto, you can try other sauces. A mix of basil, garlic, and olive oil makes a great substitute. You can also blend spinach, nuts, and cheese to create your own version. Alfredo sauce or a simple garlic butter sauce can work too. Each will give a unique flavor but still taste great with chicken and pasta. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish in advance. Cook the chicken and pasta earlier in the day. Store them separately in the fridge. Mix the sauce just before serving to keep it fresh. Reheat the chicken and pasta together and then add the sauce. This way, you save time when ready to eat. If your sauce turns out dry or thick, don’t worry. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir well to combine. You can also add a bit more cream for extra richness. If you need, a drizzle of olive oil can help smooth it out. Adjust until you reach the creamy consistency you want. For this creamy pesto chicken pasta, fusilli or penne works best. Their shapes hold the sauce well, making each bite flavorful. You can also try bowtie or rotini for fun shapes. Just remember to cook them al dente for the best texture. Enjoy experimenting with different types to find your favorite! This dish offers a simple way to enjoy creamy pasta with chicken and pesto. You learned about the needed ingredients, cooking steps, tips for perfect flavor, and storage ideas. Whether you choose shrimp or tofu for protein, variations abound to fit your taste. Don’t forget, leftovers can be transformed into new meals. With these steps in mind, feel confident in creating your perfect creamy pasta dish. Enjoy the cooking journey and the delicious results!

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Delight

A delicious creamy pasta dish with chicken, pesto, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne recommended)
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 cup homemade or quality store-bought pesto
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of the pasta water for later use.
  • Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and allow it to heat up. Add the cubed chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, keeping it warm.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Gradually mix in the pesto until the cream and pesto are fully integrated and the sauce becomes creamy and vibrant in color.
  • Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh baby spinach. Stir all ingredients together, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes begin to soften.
  • Mix with Pasta: Pour the drained pasta into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the creamy pesto sauce. If the mixture is too thick, drizzle in a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
  • Finish with Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and integrate into the sauce, creating an even creamier texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Serve: Plate the creamy pasta generously onto bowls or plates. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Serve in deep pasta bowls for an elegant touch. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a few whole basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta, pesto