Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it combines tender penne pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich, flavorful pesto cream sauce. With fresh cherry tomatoes and basil, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Easy to make ahead, it’s ideal for meal prep. Enjoy a satisfying and delicious meal that will have everyone going back for seconds!

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Ingredients

2 cups penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup pesto sauce

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, and add to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the pesto sauce and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat and add the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss to combine everything until evenly coated in the creamy pesto sauce.

Add Tomatoes: Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

Serve: Remove from heat and plate the creamy pesto chicken pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4