Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne

Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this mouthwatering Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne recipe. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is smothered in a luscious, homemade basil pesto sauce and topped with tender, juicy chicken pieces. This dish is a delightful fusion of creamy and savory, making it an instant family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it into strips.
3. In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth pesto sauce.
4. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and add the pesto sauce along with heavy cream. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy pesto sauce until well coated. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. The rich and creamy basil pesto sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken and al dente penne pasta. It’s a satisfying and comforting meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Nutrition: Calories – 650kcal, Carbohydrates – 45g, Protein – 28g, Fat – 42g, Saturated Fat – 12g, Cholesterol – 95mg, Sodium – 380mg, Fiber – 3g, Sugar – 2g

In conclusion, Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne is a culinary masterpiece that combines the freshness of basil pesto with the richness of cream and the savory goodness of chicken. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to this Italian-inspired delight tonight!