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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta features tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich pesto sauce, creating a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 8 ounces penne pasta, preferably with ridges
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving if you like
• 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained if packed in oil
• 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or quality store bought, plus more if you like
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Handful of torn basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the Chicken
   Begin by placing the chicken pieces into a bowl. Sprinkle them with Italian seasoning, a pinch of kosher salt, and a dash of black pepper. Give them a good toss until each piece is well-coated with the aromatic spices. This step not only flavors the chicken beautifully but also sets the tone for the entire dish.

2. Step 2: Cook the Pasta
   Fill a medium pot with water and set it on the stove over high heat. Once it's bubbling away, add a generous pinch of salt—this is your chance to season the pasta from the inside out. Toss in the penne and let it cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, according to the package instructions, around 8 to 9 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
   While your pasta is getting cozy in the pot, grab a large non-stick skillet and warm up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Now, introduce the seasoned chicken to the pan. Let it sizzle away, turning occasionally, until it turns a lovely golden brown and is cooked through. This will take about 7 to 8 minutes, and your kitchen will start to smell amazing.

4. Step 4: Reserve Pasta Water and Drain Pasta
   Before draining the pasta, scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water—it’s a secret weapon for making a silky sauce later. Once that's done, drain the pasta in a colander but don’t rinse it; you want it to still have that starchy surface to help the sauce cling.

5. Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
   Lower the heat under the skillet and gently fold in the drained pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes with the chicken. Stir everything until the ingredients are well acquainted. If the dish looks a bit dry, just add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches a creamy, luscious consistency.

6. Step 6: Add Pesto and Garnish
   Turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the burner. Stir in the basil pesto, ensuring it's evenly distributed for that vibrant green hue and fresh flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, and a scattering of fresh basil leaves. Dish it up and enjoy every creamy, herby bite!

Notes

Crafting a delightful Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta can be a breeze, but some common hiccups could dampen your pasta party. One frequent misstep is neglecting to season your chicken adequately. Remember to embrace the Italian seasoning and pepper—those spices are your friends and will transform your chicken from bland to grand.

Another pitfall? Overcooking your pasta. It should be al dente, not mushy. Keep an eye on the clock and taste test around the eight-minute mark.

Don't skimp on the pasta water! It’s a secret sauce hero, perfect for adjusting the creaminess without adding extra cream.

Lastly, pesto should be folded in off the heat to maintain its vibrant flavor and color. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be serving up a pasta dish that's nothing short of perfection!