Chicken Pesto Penne
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this creamy, flavor-packed Chicken Pesto Penne! Tender penne pasta is perfectly coated in a luscious basil pesto and heavy cream sauce, then tossed with juicy, golden seared chicken breast for a protein-rich, satisfying bite. Elevated with the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic, this dish is finished with a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a subtle kick and fresh basil for a pop of herbaceous brightness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy yet elegant recipe is ideal for busy evenings or casual entertaining. Serve with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home. Perfect keywords: chicken pesto penne, creamy pesto pasta, easy weeknight dinner, chicken pasta recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 pieces chicken breast
- 120 grams basil pesto
- 120 milliliters heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 5 pieces fresh basil leaves
- 3 liters water
Instructions
Bring 3 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the penne pasta, then cook according to the package instructions (typically 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Finely mince the garlic cloves and sauté them for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream. Mix well until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly to incorporate. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
Gently fold in the sliced chicken and sprinkle with red chili flakes for a slight kick.
Serve the Chicken Pesto Penne garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan on top for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3198 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 150.4 g | 193% | |
| Saturated Fat | 49.1 g | 246% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 400 mg | 133% | |
| Sodium | 4376 mg | 190% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 307.4 g | 112% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.2 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.8 g | ||
| Protein | 147.5 g | 295% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1116 mg | 86% | |
| Iron | 18.1 mg | 101% | |
| Potassium | 2117 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
