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Indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta A Cozy Dinner Delight

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 850
Enjoy a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and creamy cheese for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces Penne or Rigatoni (cook just under al dente)
  • 1 pound Diced Chicken Breast (boneless and skinless)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing the chicken)
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (avoid browning)
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic (sauté until fragrant)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (key ingredient for richness)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (balances the cream)
  • 1 cup Basil Pesto (use store-bought for convenience)
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated, enhances flavor)
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach (for added nutrition)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, adds a crispy layer)

Instructions 

  • Cook pasta until just under al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • Sauté diced chicken in olive oil until cooked through, then remove and set aside.
  • In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and milk, simmer briefly.
  • Stir in pesto, Parmesan, spinach, and cooked chicken. Mix with pasta and top with shredded mozzarella before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan or fresh basil before serving.
Calories: 850kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Chicken, Creamy, Pasta