Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is the epitome of comfort food, blending the rich flavors of basil pesto with the creamy texture of melted cheese and tender pasta. It’s a dish that promises not only ease and efficiency but also a taste that resonates with home-cooked warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 Tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb. penne pasta
1.5 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
3 oz. cream cheese, cut into chunks
1/3 cup basil pesto
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly cracked black pepper
A pinch of crushed red pepper
3 cups fresh spinach, optional
1/4 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes, optional
Instructions
Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and cook the chicken until slightly browned.
Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Pour in uncooked penne and chicken broth. Stir to loosen any brown bits from the skillet and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to medium-low heat, and simmer for about 8 minutes, until pasta is tender.
Stir in milk, cream cheese, and pesto, cooking until the cream cheese is melted.
Mix in Parmesan cheese until fully integrated.
If desired, add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until the spinach wilts.
Season with cracked black pepper and crushed red pepper. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 560