Description
This creamy chicken pesto pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a luscious basil pesto cream sauce. Enhanced with fresh spinach and parmesan cheese, this recipe offers a comforting yet fresh meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces dried penne
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.25 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup half and half
- 3/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup freshly finely grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the same pot over medium-high heat. Melt the butter, then add the chicken cubes. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Avoid overcrowding by working in batches if necessary.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot with the chicken. Cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the half and half and basil pesto into the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients well. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is heated through and begins to bubble slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta, grated parmesan cheese, and baby spinach to the pot. Stir everything together gently. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken pesto pasta immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- You can substitute half and half with heavy cream for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter version.
- If fresh basil pesto is unavailable, store-bought pesto works well.
- Work in batches when cooking chicken to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute penne with gluten-free pasta.
