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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

This creamy chicken pesto pasta is a family favorite that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxurious pesto cream sauce. The clever technique of roasting cherry tomatoes while preparing other components creates caramelized sweetness that balances the rich sauce. It's a gourmet-tasting dish that comes together quickly for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 10 oz cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1.5 lb chicken breast (2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 8 oz pasta (bow-tie, penne, or fusilli)
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

Equipment

  • oven
  • large skillet
  • casserole dish
  • pot

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss cherry tomatoes, sliced in half, with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and minced garlic. Spread in a casserole dish and roast for about 20 minutes while preparing the pasta.
  2. Prepare the chicken by slicing each breast in half horizontally to create thin pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove to a plate and slice thinly.
  4. Bring a pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
  5. Add cooked pasta, basil pesto, and cream to the same skillet used for chicken. Stir gently and bring to simmer to coat pasta with sauce.
  6. Top with sliced cooked chicken, roasted tomatoes, and optional pine nuts. Season with extra salt and pepper or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Use high-quality pesto for best results. Don't overcrowd skillet when cooking chicken. Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify sauce if needed. Serve immediately for best texture.