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Best Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Best Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

A delicious creamy pasta flavored with basil pesto and topped with golden brown chicken breast. Perfect for quick meals!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Meat Sauces
Cuisine Italian-Inspired
Servings 2 people
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or fry pan
  • Saucepan for cooking pasta

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 200 grams dried pasta or 300 grams fresh

Chicken

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 piece chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon flour

Sauce

  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • ¾ cup single or light cream
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice plus the zest for serving
  • cup basil pesto homemade or store bought
  • 20 grams parmesan cheese very finely grated
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Cook your pasta in well salted boiling water, undercooking by 1 minute. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Flatten the chicken breast to an even thickness (about 1-1.5cm), using plastic wrap and a rolling pin. Alternatively, cut into bite size pieces.
  • Season the breast with salt and pepper on each side and dust with the flour.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a fry pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken for 2 mins each side, or until cooked through if thicker.
  • Wrap the chicken lightly in foil and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and fry the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it's fragrant.
  • Add the cream and bring to a gentle simmer, being careful not to let it boil.
  • Whisk in lemon juice and pepper quickly.
  • Add the finely grated parmesan and mix it in until melted. Let it thicken slightly for 1-2 minutes.
  • Mix in the pesto, then add the cooked pasta and toss. Allow to bubble gently for 1-2 minutes. Season to taste.
  • If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  • Divide into bowls, slice chicken, and place on top. Garnish with extra cheese and lemon zest.

Notes

Best eaten fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 26gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken pasta, chicken pesto pasta
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