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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta for Ultimate Comfort Food Delight

Enjoy the delightful flavors of Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, a comforting dish perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti) Choose a shape that holds the sauce well.
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken (boneless, skinless breasts) Can substitute with rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Essential for sautéing the chicken.
  • Salt and Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 2 tbsp Butter Adds a silky richness to the sauce.
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced) Imparts wonderful aroma and flavor.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Creates the creamy texture.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Creates the creamy texture.
  • 1 cup Basil Pesto The star of the dish.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Infuses a nutty depth.
Optional Add-ins
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach A nutritious addition.
For Topping
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) Melts beautifully.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Large Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta for about 2 minutes less than al dente.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, season chicken, and cook until golden brown.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, cook, then add heavy cream and milk and simmer.
  5. Combine cooked pasta and chicken with the sauce, adding baby spinach if desired.
  6. Spread the mixture into the baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly browned.
  8. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish can be prepared up to a day in advance; just cover and refrigerate before baking. High-quality cheese truly elevates the flavor.

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