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The image shows a bowl of chicken pesto pasta, topped with basil, grated cheese, and red pepper flakes.

Chicken Pesto Pasta

This creamy chicken pesto pasta is a comforting Italian-style dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Entree
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 444.6
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces for a tender texture
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for flavor
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces penne pasta preferably with ridges holds the sauce well
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for cooking
  • ½ cup heavy cream creates a rich creamy sauce
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese plus more for serving if you like adds flavor
  • ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes drained if packed in oil for a tangy twist
  • ½ cup basil pesto homemade or quality store-bought plus more if you like adds fresh, herby flavor
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
  • Handful of torn basil leaves for garnish fresh flavor and color

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken by placing it in a bowl, then toss with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  2. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Salt the water with about 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, then cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-9 minutes.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
  4. Once the pasta is ready, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water and drain the rest.
  5. Reduce the heat on the skillet and stir in the cooked pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. If needed, add a few tablespoons of pasta water to make the sauce glossy and smooth.
  6. Turn off the heat and stir in the basil pesto. Garnish with red pepper flakes, more parmesan, and torn basil leaves before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 250gCalories: 444.6kcalCarbohydrates: 33.4gProtein: 24.7gFat: 23.3gSaturated Fat: 7.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6.2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 75.3mgSodium: 363.1mgPotassium: 551.4mgFiber: 2.3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 858.6IUVitamin C: 2.8mgCalcium: 118.4mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

A bowl of this creamy, flavorful chicken pesto pasta is pure comfort. Perfect for an easy dinner or a special night in, it’s packed with vibrant basil pesto and a touch of spice.

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