Description
A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and homemade basil pesto, perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary, then sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in basil pesto and adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add cooked penne and sliced chicken, tossing until well coated.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut cream. Ensure to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken penne, pesto recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner, family favorite