When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with chicken pesto pasta. This sumptuous meal seamlessly combines tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and just the right amount of creamy richness to create a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Why We Love This Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
One of the standout features of chicken pesto pasta is its balance of flavors and textures. The earthiness of the basil pesto, combined with the subtle flavor of garlic and the creaminess from adding heavy cream, creates a symphony of taste that is both comforting and satisfying. Embracing this dish in your cooking repertoire means you’re choosing a crowd-pleaser. It’s not just about being delicious; it’s also about how quick and easy it is to prepare. In about 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that’s destined to become a family favorite.
The versatility of this dish is another compelling reason to love chicken pesto pasta. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, especially with the addition of baby spinach. You can enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a fuller meal. Moreover, with a few simple tweaks, you can easily adjust this dish to cater to various dietary preferences and requirements.
Ingredients about Chicken Pesto Pasta
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for creating this delectable chicken pesto pasta. Here’s what you will need:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ounce Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 finely packed cup finely grated or 1/3 cup store-bought grated)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 small)
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 12 ounces dried penne or other tube-shaped pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 ounces baby spinach (about 5 cups)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Directions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the cooking process. It’s as straightforward as it is rewarding. Follow these steps to create your delicious chicken pesto pasta:
Boil Water: Start by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. The salt adds flavor to the pasta, ensuring it’s not bland when it’s served.
Prep Ingredients: While the water heats, take your two cloves of garlic and mince them finely. If you prefer, use a garlic press for ease. Next, grate your Parmesan cheese whether you’re using a fresh block or measuring out store-bought pre-grated cheese. Set aside.
Cut the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help with browning. Then, cut them into 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly. Season the cubed chicken with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Cook Pasta: Once your water is boiling, add the penne or tube-shaped pasta. Cook according to package directions until it reaches the al dente stage, which should be about 10 to 12 minutes.
Cook Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken cubes. Cook them until they’re browned on all sides, taking about 5 to 8 minutes.
Add Garlic: Just as the chicken is finishing, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. If your pasta isn’t ready yet, simply remove the skillet from the heat.
Combine Ingredients: When the pasta is al dente, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest. Add the heavy cream and the basil pesto to the skillet with the chicken and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the dish really starts to come together – let it simmer for 6 to 8 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Add Pasta and Spinach: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, followed by the baby spinach. Gradually stir until the spinach is wilting, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.
Serve: Your chicken pesto pasta is ready to serve! Plate it up, and don’t forget to garnish with additional grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves if desired.
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pasta
When it comes time to serve your chicken pesto pasta, presentation can elevate the dining experience. Consider using large bowls or deep plates to ensure there’s plenty of room for your pasta. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan can enhance the look and flavor, while adding a few fresh basil leaves as a garnish gives it that lovely touch of green that instantly makes it more appealing.
For a complete meal, think about pairing your chicken pesto pasta with a crisp green salad. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. For those who enjoy bread, a slice of garlic bread or a soft baguette can complement the meal wonderfully, allowing you to mop up any remaining sauce on your plate.
When you serve chicken pesto pasta, don’t forget to have some extra grated Parmesan at the table for your guests to sprinkle on top according to their taste.
Expert Tips: Chicken Pesto Pasta
To ensure you achieve the best results with your chicken pesto pasta, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic, high-quality Parmesan cheese, and homemade or premium store-bought basil pesto. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Always aim for al dente pasta. It should still have a slight bite, as it will continue to cook a little when tossed with the hot sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water can be a game-changer. Use it to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick or if you’d like to enhance the creaminess.
Add More Veggies: Consider including other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and variety. They can easily be sautéed alongside the chicken.
Mind the Seasoning: Always taste before serving. The flavors can be adjusted with a bit more salt, pepper, or even an extra dash of pesto if you want it more robust.
Cook in Batches: If you’re cooking for a crowd, cooking the chicken in batches is a good idea to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
How to Store Chicken Pesto Pasta
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is often the case since this dish is so satisfying), storing chicken pesto pasta properly is essential to maintaining its flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
Cooling: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature, which helps prevent moisture buildup in the storage container.
Container: Use airtight containers to store your leftovers, sealing them tightly to keep air out and maintain freshness.
Refrigeration: Your Chicken Pesto Pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently. You may want to add a splash of cream or olive oil along with a bit of reserved pasta water to restore its creamy texture.
Variation of Chicken Pesto Pasta
The beauty of chicken pesto pasta lies in its versatility. Here are several variations you can explore:
Pasta Variety: While penne is delicious, feel free to substitute with other shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti.
Protein Alternatives: If chicken isn’t your favorite, consider substituting with shrimp, turkey, or even a plant-based protein like tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Nut-Free Pesto: For those with nut allergies, make your own pesto without nuts by using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead; they provide a delightful flavor without the allergens.
Creamier Sauce: If you prefer an even creamier sauce, simply increase the amount of heavy cream or replace some of it with a cream cheese or mascarpone.
Add More Greens: Besides baby spinach, you could add kale or arugula for a more robust flavor and extra nutrition.
FAQ: Chicken Pesto Pasta
What is chicken pesto pasta?
Chicken pesto pasta is a comforting Italian dish made with cooked pasta, cubed chicken, basil pesto, and a creamy sauce, often garnished with Parmesan cheese.
How long does it take to make chicken pesto pasta?
With prep and cooking, chicken pesto pasta can typically be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a quick meal option for busy weeknights.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! Store-bought basil pesto is a great time-saver and can still deliver excellent flavor. However, consider making your own for a fresher taste if time allows.
Is chicken pesto pasta suitable for meal prep?
Yes, chicken pesto pasta is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated, making it an excellent option for lunches throughout the week.
Can I add other ingredients to chicken pesto pasta?
Certainly! You can add various veggies or proteins to customize your dish, catering to your personal preferences and dietary needs.
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 oz. Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup finely grated or 1/3 cup store-bought grated)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 small)
- ¾ tsp. kosher salt divided, plus more as needed
- ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 12 oz. dried penne or other tube-shaped pasta
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 5 oz. baby spinach (about 5 cups)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup basil pesto
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
- While the water heats, mince the garlic and grate the Parmesan cheese. Pat the chicken breasts dry and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper.
- Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-8 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Add the heavy cream and basil pesto to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 6-8 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Toss the drained pasta and baby spinach into the sauce, stirring until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
- Serve your chicken pesto pasta garnished with additional grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves if desired.
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