Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne

$- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 pound chicken breast, sliced into strips - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup basil pesto - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste - Large pot - Large skillet - Measuring cups - Cooking utensils Gathering the right ingredients is key to making creamy pesto chicken penne delicious. The penne pasta serves as a great base. It holds the sauce well and offers a nice bite. Chicken breast adds protein and a hearty texture. Heavy cream gives the dish its rich, creamy flavor. Basil pesto adds a burst of herbal taste. Cherry tomatoes bring a pop of color and sweetness. You will also need olive oil to sauté the chicken. Parmesan cheese helps make the sauce even cheesier. Fresh basil leaves are perfect for garnishing. Don't forget salt and pepper for seasoning. For equipment, a large pot is needed to cook the pasta. A large skillet is essential for sautéing the chicken and making the sauce. Measuring cups help with accuracy, and basic cooking utensils complete your kitchen tools. Getting these right sets you up for success! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boil salted water in a large pot. - Add the penne pasta and cook it as the package says, usually about 10-12 minutes. - Drain the pasta and save a bit of the water for later. - Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Season your sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper. - Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside. - Lower the heat on your skillet. - Pour in one cup of heavy cream. - Add one cup of basil pesto and mix it well until it warms up. - Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Toss the cooked penne pasta back into the skillet. - Add the sautéed chicken and halved cherry tomatoes. - If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. - Mix everything until it's well combined and creamy. - Stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends into the sauce. - Taste again and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. - Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. - Use room temperature ingredients. This helps the cream blend well. - Avoid boiling after adding cream. High heat can cause the cream to separate. A smooth and creamy sauce makes this dish shine. When you use room temperature cream, it mixes easily with other ingredients. After adding cream, keep the heat low. This keeps the sauce silky and rich. - Fresh herbs and spices boost taste. Basil, parsley, or thyme work well. - Try alternative cheeses for different flavors. Goat cheese or mozzarella add unique twists. Don't be shy with herbs. Fresh ones can brighten your dish. Adding a bit of garlic or lemon zest can also lift the flavors. Experimenting with cheese gives you new taste experiences. - Pair with a side salad or bread for balance. A crisp salad adds freshness. - Best served fresh. Enjoy it right after cooking for the best taste. Serving this meal right away is key. The flavors meld beautifully when hot. A simple side salad or some crusty bread makes the meal complete. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Use Fresh Pesto: If possible, use homemade basil pesto for a fresher and more vibrant flavor in your dish. Perfect Pasta: Be sure to cook the penne pasta al dente, which means firm to the bite, for the best texture in your dish. Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. It’s great for adjusting the sauce’s consistency. Garnish Wisely: Fresh basil leaves not only add color but also enhance the aroma and flavor of your creamy pesto chicken penne. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. If you want a seafood twist, use shrimp instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet flavor. Just sauté it until pink and tender. If you prefer a plant-based option, swap chicken for tofu. Press and cube firm tofu, then sauté until golden. It absorbs flavors well and adds a nice texture. Another quick option is using store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the creamy sauce. This saves time and still gives you great taste. For a vegan version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream. This keeps the dish rich and creamy. The coconut flavor adds a fun twist, too. Use vegan pesto and cheese alternatives to keep it plant-based. Many stores sell great vegan pesto now. Look for cheese made from nuts or soy to mimic Parmesan. These swaps keep your dish flavorful and satisfying. Feel free to switch up the pasta shape. Fusilli or rigatoni are great choices. They hold sauce well, making every bite tasty. If you need gluten-free options, many brands offer gluten-free penne. These work well without changing the overall taste. Look for options made from rice or chickpeas for added nutrition. To keep your creamy pesto chicken penne fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. This method works best to keep flavors intact. Your dish will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For reheating, I prefer using the stove. This method warms the dish evenly. Just place it in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to maintain the creamy texture. If you use the microwave, do it in short bursts. Check and stir every 30 seconds to avoid drying it out. You can freeze creamy pesto chicken penne! First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy it later. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove for the best results. Yes, you can easily make this meal in advance. Cook the penne pasta and chicken, then mix them with the sauce. Store everything in a container in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove. You might want to add a splash of cream or pasta water to keep it creamy. This way, you save time for busy days. If you need a substitute for basil pesto, try sun-dried tomato pesto. It offers a rich flavor that pairs well with chicken. You can also use Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist. If you want something lighter, consider a spinach or arugula pesto. Each option adds a unique taste to your dish. To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken. You can also use a spicy pesto instead of the regular one. If you want more flavor, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. These simple changes will give your creamy pesto chicken penne a spicy kick! This blog post shared a tasty penne pasta dish with chicken and creamy pesto. I covered main and additional ingredients, essential equipment, and easy cooking steps. You learned tips for flavor, serving, and storage, plus variations for different diets. Exploring these options can make cooking fun and simple. Remember, you can mix flavors and ingredients to make the dish your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, pesto, and cherry tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, sliced into strips
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup basil pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the basil pesto, mixing well until combined and warmed through.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet along with the sautéed chicken and halved cherry tomatoes. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamier consistency.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Plate the dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a delightful aroma and presentation.

Notes

Use fresh basil for garnish to enhance flavor.

Keyword chicken, creamy, pasta, pesto