Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and cooked with garlic and Italian herbs, then combined with al dente penne pasta and a rich, creamy pesto sauce made with butter, chicken broth, half and half, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. This hearty pasta recipe is garnished with fresh basil and black pepper, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Black pepper, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and forms a roux.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth followed by the half and half. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Finish Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat; stir in the pesto, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, stirring well to coat everything evenly in the creamy pesto sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pasta with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkling of black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting family favorite.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can use homemade pesto or your favorite store-bought pesto.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs if preferred for juicier meat.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best to hold up in the creamy sauce.
- Half and half can be substituted with heavy cream for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
