Description
This creamy chicken pesto pasta combines tender chicken pieces, al dente penne pasta, and a rich homemade pesto cream sauce made with parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- ½ pound Penne pasta (about 2 ½ cups dry)
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Half and half (or any milk/cream)
- ½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Freshly shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Basil pesto (or more, to taste)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually add the chicken broth and half and half while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine: Stir the basil pesto, grated Parmesan, and shredded Mozzarella cheeses into the sauce until fully melted and combined. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, mixing everything thoroughly to coat well with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Serve the creamy chicken pesto pasta hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half and half with whole milk or a lower-fat milk option.
- If you prefer a stronger basil flavor, add extra pesto to taste when combining the sauce and pasta.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour if gluten intolerance is a concern.
- To ensure chicken cooks evenly, cut it into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
