Quick and Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Discover the joy of cooking with this Quick and Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, perfect for your busy lifestyle! This easy-to-follow recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. With tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and vibrant basil pesto, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion. Impress your family or guests with this delicious combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

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Ingredients

2 cups pasta (penne or farfalle works best)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, allowing it to warm slightly. Add in the basil pesto and stir until everything is well combined.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired creaminess. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.

Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and lemon zest if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings

15 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4