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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
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Indulge in the comforting goodness of Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, a delightful dish that perfectly marries tender chicken and pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy basil pesto sauce. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a satisfying Italian-inspired meal that’s sure to win over your family and friends. With its cheesy topping and the option to customize with your favorite vegetables, this dish makes for an ideal choice for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (about 10.5 ounces total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3.5 ounces baby spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook pasta in boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions; drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper; sauté until golden, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and milk; simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Mix in pesto and Parmesan until smooth.
  5. Combine cooked chicken, drained pasta, and spinach (if using) in the sauce, tossing until well coated.
  6. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish; top with mozzarella and additional Parmesan.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipestwist.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-pasta/