Best Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
This Best Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe offers a deliciously rich and savory dish combining tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a luscious homemade or store-bought basil pesto cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal, it features balanced flavors of garlic, lemon, and parmesan cheese, delivering creamy satisfaction with an Italian twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 200 grams dried pasta (or 300 grams fresh)
Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon flour
Sauce
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ¾ cup single or light cream
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus the zest for serving)
- ⅓ cup basil pesto (homemade or store bought)
- 20 grams parmesan cheese, very finely grated
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. For fresh pasta, reduce the cooking time to 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms, pat the chicken breast dry and dust it evenly with 1 tablespoon of flour. Add the chicken breast to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Make the sauce: Using the same skillet, add ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped garlic cloves over medium heat until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Carefully pour in ¾ cup of single or light cream, and stir to combine. Season with ½ teaspoon black pepper and salt to taste. Let the cream warm but not boil.
- Add pesto and flavorings: Stir in ⅓ cup of basil pesto and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to the sauce. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet to coat it in the sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy pesto sauce and chicken pieces are well distributed.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the creamy chicken pesto pasta. Sprinkle 20 grams of very finely grated parmesan cheese and freshly grated lemon zest on top for a fresh, tangy finish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use light cream instead of single cream.
- Fresh pasta requires a shorter cooking time compared to dried pasta.
- Homemade basil pesto can be used to enhance fresh flavor and control ingredients.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of the pesto and parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the cream sauce a little longer before adding pesto.
