Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

In the realm of comfort foods, pasta holds a special place in the hearts of many. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be dressed up in countless ways to suit any taste. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that combines the rich, creamy textures of classic Italian cuisine with the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs and roasted tomatoes. This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings comfort and sophistication to your table.

Ingredients

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)

Directions

Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). This is the perfect temperature for roasting the tomatoes to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Roast the Tomatoes: Toss your sliced cherry tomatoes with olive oil and minced garlic until evenly coated. Spread them out in a dish and let them roast for about 20 minutes. This process not only intensifies their flavor but also adds a beautiful color to your dish.
Cook the Chicken: While the tomatoes are roasting, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken until done, and then slice it thinly. The seasoning here is simple, allowing the natural flavors of the chicken to shine through while complementing the pesto.
Pasta Time: Cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain. Choosing the right pasta is crucial; bow-tie, penne, or fusilli work wonderfully with this recipe as they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Combine and Simmer: In the same skillet used for the chicken, combine the cooked pasta with the basil pesto and heavy cream. Let it simmer gently, allowing the pasta to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.
Assemble Your Dish: Finally, top the creamy pasta with your sliced chicken, roasted tomatoes, and a sprinkle of pine nuts for an added crunch (optional). This is where all the components come together to create a symphony of flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is best served hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you need to impress guests without too much fuss.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 764 kcal
Servings: 4

Prep and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe is a testament to the beauty of combining simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. The roasted tomatoes add a touch of sweetness, the creamy pesto sauce envelops the pasta in rich flavor, and the chicken provides a satisfying protein component. It’s a well-rounded dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the process of making it and the delicious moments of sharing it with your loved ones.

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

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