In the world of comfort foods, pasta holds a special place. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and beloved by people of all ages. If you’re in the mood for something that combines the creamy goodness of cheese, the hearty presence of chicken, and the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs and tomatoes, then this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe is just what you need. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests at your next gathering, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and fresh.
Ingredients to Gather
Let’s start with what you’ll need. This recipe serves four, making it ideal for a family meal or leftovers for the solo chef.
For the Roasted Tomatoes:
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Chicken Pesto Pasta:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 lb chicken breast (2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts), sliced thinly
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 8 oz pasta (bow-tie, penne, or fusilli)
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional for added crunch)
Preparation Steps
Total Time: 40 minutes | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes
1. Roasting the Tomatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, toss your cherry tomatoes with olive oil and minced garlic until they’re well-coated.
- Spread them out in a baking dish and let them roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until they’re beautifully caramelized.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
- While the tomatoes are roasting, take your chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and cook until it’s golden and cooked through. Then, slice the chicken thinly.
3. Preparing the Pasta:
- Cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
4. Bringing It All Together:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken (to soak up all that flavor), combine the cooked pasta with basil pesto and heavy cream.
- Simmer the mixture gently, allowing the pasta to soak up the creamy, flavorful sauce.
5. Final Touches:
- Once the pasta is coated in the creamy pesto sauce, top it with the thinly sliced chicken, roasted tomatoes, and pine nuts (if using).
- Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Nutritional Info
Kcal: 764 kcal per serving
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes is a dish that stands on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad or some freshly baked garlic bread.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is sure to impress. It’s a testament to the fact that with a few quality ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Enjoy the process of cooking and, most importantly, the joy of sharing this delicious dish with those you love.
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Ingredients:
Roasted Tomatoes:
10 oz cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Chicken Pesto Pasta:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1.5 lb chicken breast (2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts), sliced thinly
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
8 oz pasta (bow-tie, penne, or fusilli)
1/4 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil and garlic. Spread in a dish and roast for 20 minutes.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook in olive oil over medium-high heat until done, then slice thinly.
Cook pasta as directed. Drain.
In the same skillet, combine pasta, pesto, and cream. Simmer gently.
Top with chicken, roasted tomatoes, and pine nuts. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 764 kcal | Servings: 4