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Irresistible Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe You’ll Adore

Irresistible Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

This Irresistible Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe You’ll Adore is a quick and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Pasta (Fusilli or Penne) Any pasta type works.
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Substitute with shrimp if desired.
For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Fresh Basil Be generous for vibrant taste.
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts Consider lightly toasting before adding.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Adjust quantity based on preference.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano can be used as a substitute.
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil Select high-quality extra virgin.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • food processor

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by chopping the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta (fusilli or penne) and cook until al dente, which should take about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in olive oil. Sauté the seasoned chicken pieces until they're golden brown and cooked through, roughly 5-7 minutes.
  4. In a food processor, combine fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. As you blend, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
  5. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the freshly made pesto and stir to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, adjust consistency with a splash of reserved pasta water.
  6. Dish out the creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta onto plates, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil. Enjoy while warm!

Notes

For an optional touch, drizzle with extra olive oil before serving.