Chicken Pesto Pasta ✨
Ingredients:
- 16 oz Penne Pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 3 Teaspoons of Italian Seasoning
- 2 pounds of Chicken Breast or Tenders
- 2 Tablespoons of Butter
- 3 Tablespoons All - Purpose Flour
- 1 cup of Chicken Broth
- 1 cup of half and half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cups of Basil Pesto
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cut up your Chicken into bite size pieces and add to a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add your garlic, oil and seasonings then stir to combine.
- While your chicken is cooking, start boiling / cooking your pasta.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add your butter and let melt over low heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook until golden brown. About 2 mins.
- Whisk in chicken broth and half & half and bring to a boil while whisking. (If it begins to boil too rapidly, turn it down a little)
- Once the sauce thickens , add the cheese. Let it melt and then add the pesto basil and stir to combine.
- Add your chicken back to the pop to warm it back up.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain and add to your skillet.
- Stir to combine & Enjoy!
Chicken Pesto Pasta is a flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of basil pesto with tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta. It's not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special family dinners. When making this recipe, consider using homemade pesto for an authentic flavor boost. You can easily whip up a batch using fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, blending them to create a vibrant green sauce that's full of flavor. For the chicken, you can choose between breast or tenders, depending on your preference. If you want an even quicker version, consider using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, which saves you time in the kitchen. As you prepare the pasta, remember to reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining; adding a few tablespoons of this to your sauce can enhance the creaminess and help everything stick together. Serve the Chicken Pesto Pasta with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread, and you have a meal that everyone will love. This dish is not only satisfying but also relies on ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen, ensuring you can whip it up any night of the week. Enjoy your cooking adventure!