This creamy pesto pasta is a delightful blend of rich flavors and textures. The succulent chicken combines beautifully with the velvety sauce, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. This dish is not only comforting but also impressively flavorful, ensuring it will become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Photos of Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
There are a few ingredients you might not have at home, such as half and half and basil pesto. Half and half is a dairy product that combines equal parts of milk and cream. You might also need to grab parmesan cheese and pine nuts if they are not staples in your pantry.
Ingredients For Creamy Pesto Pasta
Olive oil: A versatile cooking oil that adds a rich flavor to dishes.
Chicken breasts: Lean protein that cooks quickly and pairs well with a variety of flavors.
Dried basil: Adds a sweet, herbaceous note to the dish.
Dried oregano: Provides a slightly bitter, pungent flavor that complements the basil.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the flavor profile.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce.
Flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and a savory base to the sauce.
Heavy cream: Provides a luxurious, creamy texture to the sauce.
Half and half: A mixture of milk and cream that adds creaminess without being too heavy.
Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty flavor that elevates the dish.
Spaghetti: The pasta base that carries the delicious sauce.
Basil pesto: A vibrant, herbaceous sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese.
Basil: Fresh herb used for garnish, adding a pop of color and flavor.
Pine nuts: Adds a crunchy texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
One reader, Ellette Kuykendall says:
This creamy pesto pasta recipe is a game-changer! The sauce is rich and flavorful, perfectly complementing the tender chicken and al dente spaghetti. The touch of basil and pine nuts as garnish adds a delightful freshness. A must-try for any pasta lover!
Techniques Required for Making Creamy Pesto Pasta
How to cook spaghetti: Follow the package directions to cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water. How to season chicken: Use dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to season the chicken breasts before cooking. How to cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the seasoned chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes until no pink remains. How to make a roux: Combine butter and flour in a pan, stirring until smooth, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. How to make a creamy sauce: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and half and half to the roux, bring to a simmer, and cook until slightly thickened. How to combine pasta and sauce: Stir in parmesan cheese and pesto into the sauce, then toss with cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
How To Make Creamy Pesto Pasta
This creamy pesto pasta is made more scrumptious with tender pasta coated in a flavorful white pesto sauce, for a richer and belly-filling meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 3chicken breasts,(about 1 lb), diced into ½-inch cubes
- ½tspdried basil
- ½tspdried oregano
- salt and pepper,to taste
- 1tbspbutter
- 1tbspflour
- ⅓cupchicken broth
- ½cupheavy cream
- 1cuphalf and half
- ¾cupparmesan cheese,freshly grated
- 12ozSam’s Choice Italia Spaghetti,(about ⅔ package)
- ½cupSam’s Choice Italia Basil Pesto
For Optional Garnish:
- basil
- parmesan cheese
- pine nuts
Instructions
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Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
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In a pan, heat the olive oil. Season the chicken with the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Add the chicken to the pan, then cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until no pink remains. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add the butter and flour. Stir until smooth, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
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Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and half and half. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and allow to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
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Remove from the heat, then stir in the parmesan cheese and pesto.
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Add the cooked pasta to the pesto sauce, then toss. Add additional pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
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Garnish with basil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 677.85kcal
- Fat: 37.19g
- Saturated Fat: 15.52g
- Trans Fat: 0.17g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.50g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.93g
- Carbohydrates: 49.06g
- Fiber: 2.49g
- Sugar: 4.18g
- Protein: 35.51g
- Cholesterol: 117.69mg
- Sodium: 616.97mg
- Calcium: 341.98mg
- Potassium: 431.37mg
- Iron: 2.36mg
- Vitamin A: 196.62µg
- Vitamin C: 0.51mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Creamy Pesto Pasta
When making the pesto sauce, ensure you cook the flour and butter mixture long enough to remove the raw flour taste but not so long that it browns. This creates a smooth base for the sauce.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Creamy Pesto Pasta
Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken from the store. Just heat and season it.
Pre-made pesto: Opt for store-bought pesto to cut down on prep time.
Quick-cooking pasta: Choose quick-cooking pasta varieties to reduce boiling time.
One-pan method: Cook the chicken and make the sauce in the same pan to minimize cleanup.
Grated cheese: Buy pre-grated parmesan to skip the grating step.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.
chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based protein that absorbs flavors well and provides a similar texture.
dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil offers a more vibrant flavor and can be used in a slightly larger quantity.
dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano has a more intense flavor, so use it sparingly.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of flavor and umami, but reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the dish.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a richer flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken sauces similarly to flour but requires less quantity.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a suitable alternative for a vegetarian option and provides a similar depth of flavor.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream offers a rich, creamy texture and is a good dairy-free alternative.
half and half - Substitute with whole milk: Whole milk can provide a similar creaminess but with slightly less fat content.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly saltier flavor, making it a good alternative.
sam’s choice italia spaghetti - Substitute with whole wheat spaghetti: Whole wheat spaghetti offers more fiber and nutrients while maintaining a similar texture.
sam’s choice italia basil pesto - Substitute with homemade basil pesto: Homemade basil pesto can be fresher and more customizable in flavor.
basil - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh, slightly peppery flavor as a garnish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a good vegan alternative.
pine nuts - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts provide a similar texture and nutty flavor at a lower cost.
Presenting Your Pesto Pasta Dish
Serve smaller portion sizes: Plate a modest portion of spaghetti in the center of a large, white plate to create a striking contrast and emphasize the dish's elegance.
Use decoration: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and a few pine nuts to add color, texture, and visual appeal.
Highlight the protein: Slice the chicken breasts into thin, even pieces and fan them out on top of the pasta to showcase the perfectly cooked meat.
Add a drizzle: Lightly drizzle extra basil pesto over the dish to enhance the flavor and add a vibrant green hue.
Create height: Twirl the spaghetti into a small, elevated mound using a carving fork to give the dish dimension and sophistication.
Use a sauce ring: Pour the creamy pesto sauce around the base of the pasta mound to create a clean, professional look.
Incorporate microgreens: Add a small handful of microgreens on top of the chicken slices for a touch of freshness and a pop of color.
Finish with a touch of luxury: Grate a small amount of fresh parmesan cheese over the entire dish tableside to add an interactive and luxurious element.
Essential Tools for Making Creamy Pesto Pasta
Large pot: Used to cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
Colander: Used to drain the cooked spaghetti and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Large pan: Used to heat the olive oil and cook the chicken breasts.
Tongs: Handy for turning the chicken breasts while cooking.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, butter, and flour.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth, heavy cream, half and half, and parmesan cheese.
Wooden spoon: Used to stir the butter and flour until smooth and to mix the sauce.
Whisk: Useful for ensuring the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Cutting board: Used to season and cut the chicken breasts.
Chef's knife: Used to cut the chicken breasts.
Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if not pre-grated.
Serving bowl: Used to serve the creamy pesto pasta.
Ladle: Useful for adding reserved pasta water to the sauce as needed.
Spatula: Used to toss the cooked pasta in the pesto sauce.
Serving spoon: Used to serve the finished pasta dish.
Small bowl: Used to hold the optional garnishes like basil, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
Storing and Freezing Creamy Pesto Pasta
- Allow the creamy pesto pasta to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator:
- Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Seal the container tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For freezing:
- Divide the cooled pasta into individual serving portions.
- Place each portion in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
- If using a container, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bag or container before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat refrigerated pasta:
- Place the desired amount of pasta in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a splash of chicken broth, heavy cream, or half and half to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- To reheat frozen pasta:
- Remove the frozen pasta from the container or bag and place it in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a splash of chicken broth, heavy cream, or half and half to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
- Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- If the pasta seems dry, add more liquid as needed.
- When reheating, be sure to stir the pasta well to redistribute the sauce evenly.
- Garnish with fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts before serving, if desired.
How To Reheat Creamy Pesto Pasta Leftovers
Stovetop method: place the leftover creamy pesto pasta in a saucepan over medium-low heat. add a splash of chicken broth, heavy cream, or half and half to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. stir gently and continuously until the pasta is heated through, about 5 minutes. if the sauce becomes too thick, add more liquid as needed.
Microwave method: transfer the leftover creamy pesto pasta to a microwave-safe dish. add a splash of chicken broth, heavy cream, or half and half to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the pasta is heated through, about 2-3 minutes total.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). transfer the leftover creamy pesto pasta to an oven-safe dish. add a splash of chicken broth, heavy cream, or half and half to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through. remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly, if desired.
Regardless of the reheating method, be sure to taste the creamy pesto pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. you may want to add a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to brighten up the flavors after reheating.
Interesting Facts About Creamy Pesto Pasta
This creamy pesto pasta recipe combines the rich flavors of parmesan cheese, basil pesto, and heavy cream to create a luxurious sauce. The addition of chicken broth and half and half ensures a balanced and smooth texture, making it a delightful dish for any pasta lover.
Is Making Creamy Pesto Pasta at Home Cost-Effective?
This creamy pesto pasta recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The primary expenses come from chicken breasts, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. However, the use of pantry staples like olive oil, flour, and dried herbs helps balance the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25 USD. Overall Verdict: 7/10.
Is Creamy Pesto Pasta Healthy or Unhealthy?
The creamy pesto pasta recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The recipe relies heavily on high-fat ingredients such as heavy cream, half and half, and parmesan cheese, which can contribute to high calorie and saturated fat content.
- The use of butter and olive oil adds additional fat to the dish.
- The recipe lacks a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious meal.
However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made healthier without compromising on taste:
- Swap the heavy cream and half and half for low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk. This will significantly reduce the calorie and fat content while still maintaining a creamy texture.
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese used, or opt for a low-fat version. You can also incorporate other flavorful ingredients like garlic, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes to compensate for the reduced cheese.
- Include more vegetables in the dish, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or roasted bell peppers. This will increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients.
- Use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber content and provide a more complex carbohydrate source.
- Grill or bake the chicken instead of cooking it in oil to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
Editor's Thoughts on This Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
This creamy pesto pasta recipe is a delightful fusion of rich flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, half and half, and parmesan cheese creates a luxurious dish. The addition of basil pesto adds a fresh, vibrant note that complements the creamy elements perfectly. Garnishing with basil, pine nuts, and extra parmesan enhances both the presentation and taste. It's a well-balanced, indulgent meal that's sure to impress.
Enhance Your Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Creamy Pesto Pasta
Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Your Creamy Pesto Pasta
Why trust this Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of basil pesto and parmesan cheese to create a creamy, delicious pasta dish. The use of chicken broth and heavy cream ensures a velvety sauce, while the seasoned chicken breasts add a savory protein element. The instructions are straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks. Plus, the optional garnishes of basil, pine nuts, and extra parmesan cheese add a gourmet touch. Trust this recipe for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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