Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or fettuccine)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 cup of creamy pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream or Greek yogurt and stir well. Add the creamy pesto sauce, stirring constantly until heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the pesto sauce. Add the cooked pasta and stir everything together until evenly combined and warmed through.
Notes
- Use high-quality store-bought pesto or make your own for enhanced flavor.
- For a healthier version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or plant-based alternatives.
- Gently reheat leftovers in the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or water to maintain creaminess.
- Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese make great garnishes for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Adaptable (gluten-free, dairy-free options possible)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg