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3 Ways Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Brings Joy

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
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This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta brings a bright, herb-forward flavor right to your table. Richard remembers the fresh herbs used in Italy, and Eleanor translated that memory into this rich, satisfying dish. Pay attention to the sauce-to-noodle ratio for the perfect creamy coating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne work well)
  • 1 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional: Toasted pine nuts for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  4. While the pasta cooks, reduce the heat to medium in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it burn.
  5. Stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream into the skillet. Heat gently, stirring until combined.
  6. Add the drained pasta and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly.
  7. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, stirring constantly until the sauce reaches your preferred creamy consistency. You want the sauce to cling nicely to the pasta.
  8. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with toasted pine nuts if you wish.

Notes

  • For a sharper herb taste, ensure your pesto is made with fresh, high-quality basil.
  • When balancing the sauce, remember that the starch in the pasta water is key to binding the cream and pesto together perfectly.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk, but add the pasta water slowly to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-pasta-sauce-ratio/