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–+ servings

Chicken Pesto Pasta

A quick and easy dish combining juicy chicken, fresh asparagus, and creamy pesto sauce tossed with pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 750 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breasts (trimmed)
  • 1 tsp salt (divided)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Vegetables

  • 1 lb asparagus (ends trimmed and cut into 2" pieces)

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 4 Tbsp pesto sauce
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz fettuccini pasta (or linguine)

Instructions
 

Cook Pasta

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions to your desired doneness. While pasta is cooking, proceed with the recipe, then add drained cooked pasta to the sauce in step 5.

Cook Chicken

  • Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise and season all sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  • Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat with 2 Tbsp olive oil.
  • When oil is hot, add chicken in a single layer and sauté until fully cooked through (about 3 minutes per side).
  • Remove from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized strips.

Sauté Asparagus

  • Add 2 Tbsp olive oil to the same pan with asparagus pieces.
  • Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or until crisp-tender.

Make the Sauce

  • Add 2 cups heavy whipping cream, bringing it to a simmer.
  • Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in 4 Tbsp pesto, then add the chicken slices and cook for 2 more minutes.
  • Season the sauce with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt or to taste.

Combine and Serve

  • Add the cooked pasta, stirring to coat the noodles in the sauce.
  • Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Ensure chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F in the thickest part. For a lighter version, consider using less cream or substituting with a light cream. Feel free to add extra vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for more flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 750kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 950mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g
Keyword Chicken Pesto Pasta, Comfort Food, Creamy Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, quick dinner recipe
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