Ah, the kitchen—a haven of warmth, where the delightful aroma of garlic sizzles in the air, and simmering pots of happiness bring every family together. If you’ve ever gotten home after a long day, feeling that relentless tug of exhaustion, you know the struggle. Your body craves nourishing comfort food, but time is merciless. With this Creamy Chicken Pasta With Pesto recipe, we’ll transport you to that comforting place without demanding hours in the kitchen. In around thirty minutes, you’ll whip up a dish so cozy and delightful, your loved ones will feel wrapped in a warm hug—just like a family dinner at Linda’s Golden Kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta With Pesto Recipe
The Daily Struggle
Picture this: the clock is ticking, and stomachs are grumbling. If you’ve ever faced the dinner dilemma of rushing home and dreading the nightly ritual of “what’s for dinner?” then this recipe is your knight in shining armor! It’s relentless, isn’t it? Juggling work, family, and life can leave us yearning for a warm, satisfying meal without the hassle of complicated procedures and a mountain of dirty dishes. But what if I told you that there’s a solution to your culinary crunch?
This Dish Solves That
Imagine a creamy, dreamy plate of penne pasta generously swirled in rich pesto, accompanied by tender, succulent chicken. This Creamy Chicken Pasta With Pesto isn’t just a dish; it’s a symphony of flavors that brings joy back into cooking. As you prepare it, the vibrant green pesto, bright lemon zest, and luscious cream all meld beautifully, creating an experience that is more than just dinner—it’s a chance to bask in the nostalgic warmth of home cooking. Every bite is a reminder of love, laughter, and shared moments around the table.
Quick Answer: The easiest way to make Creamy Chicken Pasta With Pesto creamy and rich is by using light cream combined with cheese.
Look at those familiar faces, lighting up at the dinner table—such happiness! Let’s dive into the creamy goodness of this dish together.
Ingredients Breakdown & Prep Tips
Ingredient List with Suggestions
Below are all the elements you’ll need to create this incredible dish. Fresh, wholesome ingredients always inspire me. Each one sings its own note in this beautiful dish.
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| 10 oz dry penne pasta (300 g) | |
| 1 tablespoon olive oil | |
| 1 lb chicken breast (2 smaller breasts, cut horizontally; 450–500 g) | |
| 1 teaspoon salt | |
| 1/2 teaspoon pepper | |
| 2 cloves garlic (finely diced) | |
| 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest | |
| 1/2 cup chicken stock | |
| 1/3 cup pesto (divided) | |
| 1/2 cup light cream (about 3 oz / 100 g) | |
| 1 tablespoon lemon juice | |
| 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese | |
| A pinch of salt (to taste) | |
| Cherry tomatoes (halved) | |
| Extra Parmesan cheese |
Prep Method with Sensory Cues
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s bring our kitchen to life!
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. The joyous bubbles and gentle steam rising will already start to feel comforting, won’t they?
- Prepare Chicken: Take the chicken breasts and cut them horizontally to ensure even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, allowing the flavors to penetrate.
- Sear Chicken: In a large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat, inviting that sizzle we all adore. Add the chicken, then reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown. Don’t worry if thinner pieces cook faster; simply remove them early and keep everything warm on a plate.
- Make Sauce: With that delicious chicken resting, lower the heat to medium. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, garlic, and the fragrant lemon zest. Sauté until you can smell the heavenly aroma, inviting anyone in a 5-mile radius over for dinner.
- Build Sauce: Pour in the chicken stock, half of the pesto, light cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. The creamy texture will make your heart flutter—it’s all coming together beautifully!
- Finish Chicken: Slice the rested chicken and return it to the pan along with the juices to ensure it remains juicy and tender. Feel free to alternatively reserve the chicken for elegant plating.
- Combine Pasta: Toss in the cooked penne and the remaining pesto, letting the sauce embrace the pasta with a loving hug of flavor.
- Serve: Finally, serve it up! Top with extra Parmesan, those joyful halved cherry tomatoes, and perhaps a drizzle of that luscious pesto for good measure.
Doesn’t that just sound comforting? Your kitchen will be filled with laughter, delightful aromas, and family togetherness.
Avoid These Mistakes
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Every cook has their stumbles, and that’s okay! Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid when making your Creamy Chicken Pasta With Pesto:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Remember to keep an eye on the timer—al dente pasta holds up much better in the sauce.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if cooked too long. When it begins to brown, it’s your cue to add the stock and other ingredients.
- Using stale pesto: Fresh pesto elevates the dish! If it’s been sitting for a while, consider making a small batch yourself or checking the quality before use.
Pro Tips to Get It Right
- Experiment with Flavors: If you’d like to elevate the taste, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Embrace Homemade: Making pesto from scratch might feel daunting, but it’s worth it for that fresh, fragrant taste. If you ever have a bit of extra time, blend up some fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil for a vibrant twist!
Such tidbits only add to the magic of home-cooked meals. Let your heart guide you as you stir!
Serving, Storage & Creative Variations
Best Ways to Serve It
Now that your Creamy Chicken Pasta With Pesto is ready to dazzle, let’s talk about serving it! Perfect for cozy evenings with family or as a centerpiece for gatherings, serving in a large bowl surrounded by eager diners creates such lovely moments. A light salad or some crusty garlic bread on the side would make perfect companions—imagine tearing into that warm, comforting bread while having a hearty laugh with loved ones.
Storage + Seasonal or Dietary Variations
If, against all odds, you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This dish also freezes beautifully—just ensure you reheat on low to maintain that creamy texture.
Feel free to get creative! Have leftover vegetables? Toss in some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini near the end of cooking for a healthy twist. Or for those watching carbs, cauliflower pasta is a fantastic substitute without sacrificing flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect, any medium-sized pasta will work beautifully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
What kind of pesto should I use?
Store-bought basil pesto is convenient, but fresh homemade means lots of love. Either way, use quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Consider using dairy-free cream options or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor, along with plant-based cheeses to blend seamlessly in your dish.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Certainly! Kids love creamy pasta. Pair it with some fun veggies to keep it colorful and nutritious!
Conclusion
With creamy textures and vibrant flavors, this Creamy Chicken Pasta With Pesto recipe is truly a family favorite. It’s easy, quick, and bursting with the comfort you need after a long day. So, as you take that first bite and share your creation, remember to reflect on the warmth that comes from sharing food with those you love. If this dish brings back a memory, pass it on. Someone you love might need it today.
For another cozy recipe that warms the heart, why not try the delightful Creamy Tortellini Soup?
Creamy Chicken Pasta With Pesto
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Take the chicken breasts and cut them horizontally to ensure even cooking.
- Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat.
- Add the chicken, then reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- With the chicken resting, lower the heat to medium. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest, and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken stock, half of the pesto, light cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring until thickened.
- Slice the rested chicken and return it to the pan along with its juices.
- Toss in the cooked penne and the remaining pesto.
- Serve topped with extra Parmesan and cherry tomatoes.