Craving a quick, delicious, and satisfying weeknight meal? Look no further than this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe! This dish combines the comfort of creamy pasta with the freshness of asparagus and the vibrant flavor of pesto, all in under 30 minutes. It's the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss of a complicated cooking process. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing taste. Tender chicken breast, perfectly cooked pasta, and bright green asparagus create a delightful harmony of textures and flavors.
Imagine a plate piled high with perfectly al dente pasta, coated in a luscious creamy pesto sauce, and studded with juicy chicken and crisp-tender asparagus. Sounds dreamy, right? Ready to bring this delicious pasta dish to life? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Large deep skillet
- Plate
Ingredients
- Fettuccine noodles: 12 ounces
- Asparagus
- Chicken breasts: 1 pound (or 2 medium)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil: 4 tablespoons
- Heavy whipping cream: 2 cups
- Pesto sauce: 4 tablespoons
- Fresh basil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Cook Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water.
- Snap off tough ends and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise, season with salt and pepper.
Step 2. Cook Chicken and Asparagus
- Sauté chicken in olive oil until cooked through (about 3 minutes per side). Remove and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- In the same pan, sauté asparagus in olive oil until crisp-tender (2-3 minutes).
Step 3. Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce
- Add heavy cream, simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in pesto sauce and sliced chicken; cook for 2 minutes.
- Season sauce to taste. Drain cooked pasta and add to the sauce. Stir to coat.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Toss to coat noodles in the sauce. Add fresh basil.
- Serve immediately.
Read more: Sautéed White Beans with Garlic, Sage & Tomatoes: Easy Side Dish Recipe
Tips
- Consider serving with garlic bread.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the pan. You may need to cook it for a slightly shorter time.
2. What kind of pesto should I use?
Use your favorite! Store-bought pesto works perfectly, but homemade adds a special touch. Basil pesto is classic, but you could experiment with sun-dried tomato or even a spinach pesto.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time. Reheat gently and toss with the asparagus and pesto just before serving.
This Creamy Chicken Asparagus Pesto Pasta recipe is a weeknight winner, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures in a fraction of the time. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of deliciousness!