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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
A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and creamy cheese, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces Penne or Rigatoni (cook just under al dente)

Chicken

  • 1 pound Diced Chicken Breast (boneless and skinless)

Sautéing Oil

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing the chicken)

Butter

  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (avoid browning)

Garlic

  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic (sauté until fragrant)

Cream and Milk

  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (key ingredient for richness)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (balances the cream)

Pesto

  • 1 1/2 cups Basil Pesto (use store-bought for convenience)

Cheese

  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated, enhances flavor)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, adds a crispy layer)

Vegetables

  • 2 cups Baby Spinach (for added nutrition)

Instructions 

  • Cook pasta until just under al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • Sauté 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, milk, and pesto; stir to combine. Return chicken to the pan, then add spinach and cheeses. Mix until heated through and cheese melts.
  • Combine the sauce with cooked pasta, then serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan on top before serving.
Calories: 850kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: chicken, Creamy, Pasta