Creamy Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken
DifficultyBeginner
Category, , ,

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.

SharePostSaveThreads
Yields4 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time40 mins
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.

Ingredients

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)
Creamy Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken
IngredientsDirections
Visited 12 times, 1 visit(s) today