Description
A comforting and delightful pasta dish featuring creamy pesto sauce and tender chicken, perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low, add minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Add pesto and stir until well mixed.
- Return sliced chicken to the skillet, add drained penne, and mix well to coat everything in the sauce. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water to desired consistency.
- Sprinkle in parmesan and stir gently to melt into the sauce. Serve immediately.
- Optionally, garnish with lemon juice, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil for an extra touch.
Notes
Always cook the pasta to al dente for the best texture. Reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency. Experiment with seasonal vegetables if you like.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken penne, pesto, comfort food, family recipe, quick dinner