Easy Creamy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta
Pasta tossed in a luscious creamy basil pesto sauce and topped with tender and juicy chicken. This easy 30 minute dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
For the Pasta
- 1 pound pasta of choice
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 cup basil pesto or more to taste
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- parmesan cheese optional to garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil then add salt and pasta. Cook the pasta until al dente, drain and set aside.
- Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken and even out any thicker parts. Combine garlic powder, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and season the chicken on all sides.
- Heat a large skillet on medium high heat with oil and cook the chicken for 6 minutes, or until cooked through, flipping halfway. Set aside.
- In the same skillet on medium low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly add in half and half while whisking until fully incorporated. Bring the sauce to a simmer for a few minutes, whisking occasionally.
- Mix in the pesto, salt, and black pepper. Toss in the pasta then slice the chicken and place it over the pasta. Garnish with more pesto and shaved parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Salt the pasta water generously and cook it until al dente.
- Add in vegetables like sun dried tomatoes, peas, spinach, kale, broccoli, roasted red peppers, or artichokes for a well rounded meal.
- Save a cup of starchy pasta water. If the sauce gets too dry, add a little at a time to make it creamy again. You can also use it reheat leftovers in a pan.
- Serve the pasta immediately. This dish is best served fresh because as the pasta sits, it tends to dry out. It will still taste amazing though!
Nutrition Estimate
Calories: 721kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 31gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 591mgPotassium: 572mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1433IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 182mgIron: 2mg
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