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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

A delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta (Penna, Rigatoni, Fusilli, or Ziti) Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
For the Chicken
  • 2 Medium Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Consider rotisserie chicken for quicker option.
For the Flavor Base
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing.
  • to taste Salt Use freshly ground for best flavor.
  • to taste Pepper Use freshly ground for best flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter Creates a foundation for the sauce.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) For flavor depth.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 3/4 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half.
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk Balances the creaminess.
  • 1/2 cup Basil Pesto Homemade or store-bought.
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated, for sauce and topping.
For Optional Additions
  • 3.5 oz Baby Spinach Optional, can substitute with sautéed mushrooms.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) For topping.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook your chosen pasta in boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chicken seasoned with salt and pepper for 5-6 minutes until cooked through. Dice and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic, sauté for 30 seconds. Add cream and milk, and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in pesto and Parmesan until smooth.
  5. Combine pasta, chicken, and spinach in a bowl. Pour creamy sauce over and mix gently.
  6. Transfer mixture to baking dish. Top with mozzarella and additional Parmesan.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use freshly made basil pesto for best flavor. Cook pasta just shy of al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.

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