Name: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta - Easy Recipes for Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 chicken breasts, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup basil pesto; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; Fresh basil for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
The Secret to the Perfect Creamy Sauce
Best Pasta Choices for This Recipe
Easy Tips for Cooking Chicken to Perfection
Pairing Suggestions: What Goes Well with Pesto Pasta?
Storage and Reheating Tips
Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

– This creamy chicken pesto pasta is an easy, flavorful dinner made with tender chicken and a rich, cheesy sauce.
– The recipe takes just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
– Fresh basil pesto brings a bright and fresh taste that pairs wonderfully with pasta.
– Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Looking for easy recipes for dinner that deliver big flavors with minimal effort? This creamy chicken pesto pasta is the perfect solution. It’s packed with rich, savory flavors from Parmesan cheese and basil pesto, and the creamy sauce coats every bite beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, this dish is sure to be a hit!

The Secret to the Perfect Creamy Sauce

A great creamy pasta sauce comes down to balance. You want a rich, velvety texture without it being overly heavy. The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious base that clings to the pasta. Adding basil pesto introduces a fresh, herby kick that makes this sauce stand out from other easy recipes for dinner.

Best Pasta Choices for This Recipe

When it comes to pasta, different shapes affect the overall experience of your meal. Penne and fettuccine are excellent choices for this dish as they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. If you’re looking for a twist, try using rigatoni or farfalle to bring a different texture to this chicken stirfry easy recipe adaptation.

Easy Tips for Cooking Chicken to Perfection

To get the juiciest and most flavorful chicken, make sure to cook it over medium-high heat until it’s golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside. Season it generously, and let it rest for a minute before adding it to the creamy sauce. If you’re short on time, you can even use rotisserie chicken for an ultra-quick version of this cheesey potatoes easy recipe inspired dish.

Pairing Suggestions: What Goes Well with Pesto Pasta?

This pasta is already packed with flavor, but a side dish can take it to the next level. Try pairing it with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or go for something heartier like garlic bread. If you want an extra protein boost, serve it alongside grilled shrimp or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced meal. This dish fits right in with butter swim biscuits easy recipes when planning your weekly meals.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Store your creamy chicken pesto pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it can dry out the chicken. Instead, gently warm it over low heat on the stove for the best results.

For more delicious recipes like this, visit Clara Cooks.