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Creamy Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time40 mins

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that combines al dente pasta coated in a creamy, homemade basil pesto sauce with juicy grilled chicken slices. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, bringing classic Italian flavors with a luscious creamy twist.

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken

For the Grilled Chicken
 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
 1 tbsp olive oil
 1 tsp salt
 ½ tsp black pepper
 ½ tsp garlic powder
 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
 Juice of ½ lemon
For the Creamy Pesto Sauce
 1 cup fresh basil leaves
 ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
 2 cloves garlic
 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
 1 tsp salt
 ¼ tsp black pepper
 ½ cup olive oil
 ¾ cup heavy cream
 1 tbsp butter
For the Pasta
 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
 1 tsp salt (for pasta water)
 ½ cup reserved pasta water (for adjusting sauce consistency)
For Garnish
 Fresh basil leaves
 Extra grated Parmesan cheese
 Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Marinate and Grill the Chicken
1

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    • Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice.
    • Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Grill the Chicken:
    • Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
    • Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
    • Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Cook the Pasta
2

  • Boil the Pasta:
    • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
    • Add salt and pasta, cooking according to package instructions (8-10 minutes for al dente).
  • Reserve Pasta Water:
    • Before draining, save ½ cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce later.
  • Drain and Set Aside.
Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
3

  • Blend the Pesto:
    • In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper.
    • Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.
  • Cook the Sauce:
    • In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter and add the prepared pesto.
    • Stir in heavy cream, letting it simmer for 2 minutes until creamy.
Combine Everything
4

  • Toss Pasta in the Sauce:
    • Add the cooked pasta to the creamy pesto sauce, tossing to coat.
    • If needed, add a little reserved pasta water for a silkier consistency.
  • Add Grilled Chicken:
    • Top the pasta with sliced grilled chicken.
Serve and Garnish
5

  • Plate the Pasta:
    • Divide among serving bowls.
  • Garnish:
    • Sprinkle with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes.
  • Pair with a Side:
    • Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Pro Tips
6

  • For a Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add roasted mushrooms or cherry tomatoes.
  • For Extra Flavor: Sear the chicken with a splash of white wine for more depth.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size