Oh, my dear friends, do I have a treat for you today! Allow me to introduce you to my absolute favorite dish: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta. Picture this: a comforting, creamy sauce enveloping tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes, all coming together with a vibrant pesto flavor that makes your tastebuds do a happy little dance. I can’t help but get excited just thinking about it!
This recipe has a special place in my heart. It’s one of those meals that always brings back memories from cozy evenings spent with family and friends. I can just hear the laughter from my kitchen as we gather around the table, steaming bowls of pasta in front of us, sharing stories and savoring every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering to impress your loved ones, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta never fails to steal the show.
### What’s in Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta?
Let me walk you through the star ingredients of this delicious dish:
Farfalle (or your choice of pasta): I personally love farfalle for its fun shape and ability to hold onto the creamy sauce, but feel free to use whatever pasta tickles your fancy!
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are lean and perfect for this dish. They soak up flavor beautifully and add protein to keep you satisfied.
Salt and pepper: Simple yet essential, seasoning the chicken helps elevate the dish to new heights.
Olive oil: A dash of this liquid gold helps sear the chicken to perfection, giving it that delicious golden crust.
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and vibrant, they add a delightful pop of color and flavor.
Pesto: You can’t have pesto pasta without the pesto! You can either whip up your own or grab a good quality store-bought version. Trust me, either way will make your pasta sing!
Heavy cream: This is the secret to that luxuriously creamy sauce that you’ll crave long after dinner’s over.
Parmesan cheese: Because cheese makes everything better! This final touch adds depth and a delightful nuttiness.
Pine nuts: Toasted to perfection, they add a lovely crunch and a hint of earthiness to the dish.
Fresh basil: A sprinkle of this on top not only adds color but also that classic pesto aroma we all love.
### Is Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Good for You?
Now let’s talk about whether this dish fits into a healthy lifestyle!
Chicken: It’s a lean protein that helps you feel full and satisfied.
Pasta: Whole grain options are available if you’re looking to up the fiber content, making this more nutritious.
Cherry tomatoes: These beauties are loaded with vitamins C and K, and antioxidants that help protect your body.
Pesto: This sauce is typically made with fresh basil, oil, and nuts, providing healthy fats and flavor. Just be mindful of the servings since it can be calorie-dense.
But let’s be real, my friends. This dish is not a salad! While it’s indulgent, everything in moderation is key when it comes to enjoying our favorites. And hey, sometimes you just need a comforting bowl of pasta!
### Ingredients List
– 8 oz farfalle (or your choice of pasta)
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
*Serves 4*
### How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta?
Alright, let’s dive into the steps to create this delight:
1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of that pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, season those chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and gloriously golden brown. Remove it from the skillet and let it rest before slicing into strips.
3. In the same skillet, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and let them cook for a few minutes until they soften and start to caramelize. The aroma will be divine!
4. Now, stir in the pesto and heavy cream, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. It’s starting to smell amazing already!
5. Add in the cooked pasta along with that reserved pasta water, tossing it all together until every noodle is coated in that creamy sauce.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and then gently mix in those lovely chicken slices until everything is heated through.
7. Finish it off with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts – you seriously can’t resist the crunch!
8. Serve it up right away and don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy!
### A Few Twists to Elevate Your Dish
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun ideas to add a little flair:
– For added flavor, consider marinating your chicken in pesto for a few hours before cooking. Talk about infused goodness!
– This dish is best served immediately, but if you have leftovers (which I doubt will happen!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and maybe give it a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for that fresh zing!
– Want to mix it up? Swap the chicken for shrimp or roasted veggies for a different twist!
So, dear friends, get your aprons ready, gather your favorite people, and dive into this delightful bowl of Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta! I can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed it or any personal touches you added. Happy cooking! 🍽️
