Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup of heavy cream or full-fat milk for a lighter version
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for adjustments later if needed.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the basil pesto and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta into the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use high-quality basil pesto for a more vibrant flavor.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta to keep it al dente for the best texture.
- Adjust the cream quantity based on your preferred creaminess level.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or vegetables for variations.
- Save some pasta water; it helps in achieving a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Easily adaptable; supports gluten-free and low-fat modifications
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg