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–+ servings
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta for a Cozy Family Dinner

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, combining rich flavors and ease of preparation that the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Roasted Tomatoes
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can replace with sun-dried tomatoes.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For roasting tomatoes.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is preferred.
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breast Can substitute with rotisserie chicken.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Optional.
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Pasta e.g., farfalle, penne, fusilli.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Basil Pesto Store-bought or homemade.
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream For a lighter version, use half-and-half or omit.
For Garnish (Optional)
  • ¼ cup Pine Nuts Can substitute with walnuts.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • skillet
  • pot
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil and minced garlic. Roast for about 20 minutes until burst.
  2. Slice chicken breasts thinly and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side.
  3. Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  4. In the same skillet, add cooked pasta, basil pesto, and heavy cream. Stir gently and simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Plate the pasta, topping with sliced chicken and roasted tomatoes. Garnish with pine nuts if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on stovetop adding cream or reserved pasta water as needed.

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