Description
Indulge in a delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and flavorful pesto sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- – 1 lb. (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- – 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- – 2 cloves garlic
- – 1/2 lb. (227 g) penne pasta
- – 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) chicken broth
- – 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- – 3 oz. (85 g) cream cheese*
- – 1/3 cup (80 ml) basil pesto
- – 1/4 cup (60 g) grated Parmesan
- – freshly cracked pepper
- – 1 pinch crushed red pepper
- – 3 cups (90 g) fresh spinach
- – 1/4 cup (60 g) sliced sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place the chicken in the pan and cook until it begins to turn golden on the exterior.
- As the chicken is cooking, finely chop the garlic. Add the garlic to the pan with the chicken, stirring for an additional minute.
- Incorporate the uncooked penne and chicken broth into the pan with the chicken and garlic. Stir to loosen any bits stuck to the pan’s bottom. Cover the pan, increase the heat to medium-high, and bring the broth to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, stir the pasta quickly, cover again, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the pasta to cook at a gentle simmer for about 8 minutes, or until it is soft and the majority of the broth is absorbed. Stir every couple of minutes, covering immediately after each stir.
- After the pasta reaches the desired tenderness and most of the broth is absorbed, pour in the milk, add cream cheese (cut into pieces), and mix in the pesto. Stir and cook on medium until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Lastly, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and mix until well blended.
- If desired, add the fresh spinach and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until the spinach wilts, then remove the dish from heat. Garnish the pasta with freshly cracked pepper and a dash of crushed red pepper before serving.
Notes
- Consider adding more cream cheese or milk for a creamier sauce.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Enhance the dish with homemade basil pesto for a fresher taste.
