If you’re looking for a dish that combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and bright herbal notes, look no further than Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe. This delightful meal brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luscious pesto-infused sauce that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, guaranteed to please everyone at the table and quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this creamy chicken pesto pasta lies in its simple yet thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the al dente penne providing a hearty base to the fresh pesto delivering vibrant, herby freshness that brightens the dish.
- Penne pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully with its ridged shape and tubes.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and easy to cook, perfect for soaking up flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to lightly sauté the garlic and chicken, building foundational flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives the dish a lovely aromatic kick without overpowering it.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that enhances the savory taste of the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every component perfectly.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Creates a silky base for the creamy sauce.
- Flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce, giving it that luscious, velvety texture.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds depth and a subtle savory note to the sauce.
- Half and half (1 cup): Blends creaminess with lightness, keeping the sauce rich but not heavy.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Adds gooey, melty texture, making every bite creamy and indulgent.
- Pesto (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that infuses fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan into the dish.
- Fresh basil: Finishes the pasta with a bright, herbal garnish that complements the sauce perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthy undertone as a final touch.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta just until al dente according to the package instructions to ensure the pasta holds up perfectly when combined with the sauce. Once done, drain it well and set it aside. This simple step lays the foundation for a pasta dish with the perfect bite and texture.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, allowing the aromas to bloom and fill your kitchen. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan, seasoning them further with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken evenly, making sure it is no longer pink inside. This method locks in juiciness and builds the savory base needed for an irresistible comforting dish. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, it’s coming right back!
Step 3: Make the creamy sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter to catch leftover flavors from the chicken and garlic. Whisk in the flour and cook until the mixture turns a delicate golden color; this is your roux, the thickening agent that ensures a silky sauce. Gradually add the chicken broth and half and half, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens to that perfect creamy consistency that clings irresistibly to pasta and chicken.
Step 4: Add pesto and cheeses
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fragrant pesto along with the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. The cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce, enriching it with gooey creaminess while the pesto brightens everything with its fresh basil and pine nut flavor. The result is a harmonious sauce that tastes like comfort in a bowl.
Step 5: Combine everything
Return the cooked penne pasta and chicken back to the skillet, gently tossing it together so every piece of pasta and tender chicken is lavishly coated in that luscious sauce. This final step brings all the flavors together into the creamy chicken pesto pasta your family will adore.
Step 6: Serve and garnish
Plate the pasta and add a final flourish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper to elevate the dish’s aroma and flavor. This simple garnish not only looks beautiful but instantly brightens the rich, creamy sauce. It’s now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
When serving this pasta, fresh basil leaves are a must. Their sweet, slightly peppery notes cut through the richness, balancing each bite. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle warmth. For extra flair, you can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a bit more grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Side Dishes
Complement this creamy chicken pesto pasta with a crisp green salad featuring tangy vinaigrette or garlic roasted vegetables to introduce fresh textures and flavors. Garlic bread is a classic side that invites dipping into the luscious sauce, making the meal feel even more indulgent and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in rustic bowls for cozy family dinners or plate it elegantly with a drizzle of extra pesto on top for more formal occasions. For a fun twist, consider baking the assembled pasta in a casserole dish with extra mozzarella on top for a bubbly golden crust. No matter how you serve it, this recipe shines brightly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy chicken pesto pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors only deepen as it rests, making it excellent for next-day lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store in a sealed container for up to two months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving straight from the fridge without stirring, as the sauce may separate unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully to catch the sauce, other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle are great alternatives that will still provide a satisfying texture and sauce coverage.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes. You can substitute the half and half with coconut milk or another dairy-free creamer, and use vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast to keep the cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I prepare the chicken pesto pasta ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken, pasta, and sauce separately ahead of time and combine them just before serving. This helps keep the pasta from overcooking and ensures the sauce stays fresh and creamy.
What type of pesto is best for this recipe?
Traditional basil pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil is ideal. However, you can experiment with sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for exciting variations on the classic flavor.
How do I make sure the chicken stays tender?
Cook the chicken over medium heat without rushing, and don’t overcook it. Removing it from the heat as soon as it’s no longer pink ensures it stays juicy and tender, which is essential for the perfect dish.
Final Thoughts
With its harmonious blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bright pesto, Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to any meal. I invite you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones—once you taste it, I’m confident it will become one of your go-to comforting dishes as well!
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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts and al dente penne pasta smothered in a rich, homemade creamy pesto sauce. This easy-to-make family favorite combines Italian seasoning, garlic, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses to create a sauce that’s both hearty and indulgent, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pesto
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Cook chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, approximately 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook while whisking continuously until the mixture turns golden, about 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and half and half, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add pesto and cheeses: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the pesto, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine: Slice or chop the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken pesto pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute half and half with milk or a lower-fat dairy alternative.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid overcooking when combined with sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
