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- 2 cups penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed - 1 cup cream cheese - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup basil pesto - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste When making creamy chicken pesto pasta, the right ingredients make a big difference. Start with the pasta. I like penne because its shape holds the sauce well. Olive oil brings flavor and helps cook the chicken. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender bite that cooks up quickly. The creamy base comes from cream cheese and heavy cream. They blend to create a rich, smooth texture. Basil pesto adds fresh, vibrant flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade pesto, depending on your time and taste. Cherry tomatoes give a nice pop of color and sweetness. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that rounds out the dish. Finally, fresh basil leaves make the meal feel special and add a lovely touch of green. Make sure to season with salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together. Each ingredient plays a part in making this dish a hit. For the full recipe, check out the section above. - Boil water in a large pot. - Add salt to the water. - Cook 2 cups of penne pasta until al dente. - Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. - Cut 2 chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. - Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. - Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. - Lower the heat and add 1 cup of cream cheese. - Stir until the cream cheese melts. - Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream gradually. - Mix well to combine the cream and cheese. - Add 1 cup of basil pesto and stir for 2 minutes. - Fold in the cooked penne pasta gently. - Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. - Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Heat everything through for 2-3 minutes. - Transfer to serving dishes. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color. For the full recipe, check out the complete cooking guide. Enjoy your creamy chicken pesto pasta! - How to achieve al dente pasta To cook pasta al dente, follow the package instructions. Usually, it means boiling the pasta for about 1-2 minutes less than the suggested time. This keeps the pasta firm and gives it a nice bite. Drain it immediately to stop the cooking process. - Perfecting the chicken sauté for tenderness For tender chicken, cut it into small, even cubes. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often to ensure even cooking. Look for a golden brown color, and make sure it is fully cooked. - Thicken or thin the sauce as desired If your sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water or milk. This helps to smooth it out. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few more minutes. This helps the flavors marry and the sauce to reduce. - Using room temperature cream cheese Using cream cheese at room temperature makes it easier to blend into the sauce. You will get a smooth and creamy consistency. If it's cold, it may clump up and take longer to combine. - Presentation ideas for serving Serve your creamy chicken pesto pasta in big, colorful bowls. This makes it look inviting. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top and a few fresh basil leaves for color. - Additional toppings to enhance flavor For extra flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or lemon zest. This brings a nice kick and brightness to the dish. You can also use toasted pine nuts for a crunchy texture. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in creamy chicken pesto pasta. Try using shrimp instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. You could also use tofu for a plant-based option. Tofu soaks up the sauce well, making it tasty. Another choice is to substitute turkey. Ground turkey works great in this dish. Just cook it until it's brown and fully done. You can use any meat you like to fit your taste. If you want a vegetarian meal, you can make this dish plant-based. Swap the chicken for more veggies. Broccoli or zucchini can be great additions. You can also replace cream cheese with a vegan option. Look for plant-based cream cheese to keep it creamy. Another idea is to use cashew cream. Soak cashews overnight, then blend them until smooth. This gives you a rich and creamy base without dairy. To give your creamy chicken pesto pasta a kick, add garlic or chili flakes. Garlic gives a strong flavor, while chili flakes add heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. They bring a burst of flavor and color to the dish. Spinach is another great addition. It wilts nicely and adds a healthy touch. For the full recipe, check out the entire preparation steps. Enjoy experimenting with these variations! To keep your creamy chicken pesto pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. When stored properly, it lasts in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Be sure to let the pasta cool down before sealing it. If you notice any signs of spoilage like an off smell or mold, it's best to toss it. You can freeze creamy chicken pesto pasta if you want to save some for later. First, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing in the microwave as it can change the texture. To reheat, you have several options. For the best texture, use the stovetop. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help it heat evenly. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave; just cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it creamy. Creamy chicken pesto pasta lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Watch for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or mold. If it smells off or looks strange, it's best to toss it. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix them with the creamy sauce. Store everything in the fridge. When ready to eat, heat it in a pan on low until warm. This keeps the dish fresh. You can serve this dish with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread. A simple side of steamed veggies also works well. If you want something light, try a cucumber salad with lemon dressing. These sides balance the rich flavors of the pasta. Yes, you can make creamy chicken pesto pasta without cream. Use Greek yogurt or coconut milk as a substitute. These options will still give you a creamy texture. Also, adding more pesto can enhance the flavor while keeping it rich. This blog post covered the ingredients, steps, and tips for making creamy chicken pesto pasta. You learned how to cook pasta, sauté chicken, and mix in a flavorful sauce. Don’t forget the tips for perfect texture and storage solutions. I hope you feel ready to try this recipe. Enjoy tasty meals and get creative with variations. This dish is sure to please your family and friends!

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Indulge in a delightful bowl of creamy chicken pesto pasta that's easy to make and full of flavor! This quick recipe combines tender chicken, penne pasta, and a rich creamy pesto sauce for a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, dinner can be a breeze. Click through to discover how to create this comforting dish that your family will love!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups penne pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until it's al dente. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken evenly with salt and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and fully cooked through.

      Add Cream Cheese: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the chicken, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and creates a creamy mixture.

        Incorporate Heavy Cream: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring to ensure it combines smoothly with the melted cream cheese. Continue mixing until the sauce is well blended.

          Mix in Pesto: Add the basil pesto to the skillet, stirring for about 2 minutes to heat through and fuse the flavors together into a rich and creamy sauce.

            Combine with Pasta and Tomatoes: Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta and halved cherry tomatoes, ensuring each piece of pasta is evenly coated in the creamy pesto sauce.

              Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and mix gently to integrate the flavors.

                Final Cooking: Cook the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and wonderfully creamy.

                  Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy chicken pesto pasta to serving dishes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve in pasta bowls, garnished with additional grated Parmesan and a few whole basil leaves for an elegant touch. Enjoy!