Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne

$- 12 oz penne pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Fresh vs. Store-bought Pesto Options When making creamy pesto chicken penne, you can choose between fresh or store-bought pesto. Fresh pesto offers bright flavor. You can blend basil, garlic, nuts, cheese, and oil at home. Store-bought options save time. Many brands offer tasty choices. Choosing the Right Chicken For the chicken, use cooked breast meat. Shredded chicken works best for this dish. You can roast, grill, or use rotisserie chicken for quick prep. Look for chicken that is juicy and flavorful to enhance your meal. Alternatives for Heavy Cream If you want a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. These options still add creaminess, but they can change the taste slightly. Gluten-free Penne Options If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free penne pasta made from rice or chickpeas. These alternatives cook nicely and keep the dish delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} How to Boil Penne Pasta Perfectly To cook penne pasta, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Always set aside half a cup of the pasta water before draining. Importance of Salting Pasta Water Salting pasta water is key. It adds flavor to the pasta. Use about one tablespoon of salt for every four quarts of water. This small step makes a big difference in taste. Seasoning the water helps the pasta absorb flavor while it cooks. Tips for Perfectly Sautéed Garlic For great garlic, use fresh garlic cloves. Mince them finely for even cooking. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute. Watch it closely to avoid burning. You want it fragrant and golden, not brown. How to Reheat Shredded Chicken If using leftover chicken, ensure it's heated properly. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with garlic. Stir it for two to three minutes until warm. This step makes sure the chicken blends well with the flavors. Adjusting Cream Sauce Thickness To make your sauce creamy, pour in the heavy cream slowly. Keep the heat low while stirring constantly. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. This helps achieve your desired consistency. Mixing Techniques for Smooth Sauce For a smooth sauce, mix well as you add ingredients. Use a whisk if needed to break up lumps. This technique ensures that the cream blends well with the pesto and chicken. A smooth sauce makes the dish more enjoyable. - Ensuring a Creamy Consistency: To make your sauce creamy, add the heavy cream slowly. Stir constantly while adding. If it gets too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This keeps your sauce smooth and rich. - Avoiding Overcooked Pasta: Cook penne until al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Remember to salt the water before boiling. This adds flavor to the pasta itself. - Beautiful Serving Ideas: Serve the pasta in deep bowls for a cozy feel. This helps to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish. - Garnishing Techniques with Basil and Parmesan: Add fresh basil leaves on top for color and freshness. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese for a nice finish. A drizzle of olive oil can also make your dish look gourmet. - Coordinating Cooking Steps for Efficiency: Start boiling the pasta while you prepare the sauce. This saves time and keeps everything hot when you serve. - Preparing Ahead of Time: You can cook the chicken and make the pesto a day in advance. Store them in the fridge. This way, you can whip up the dish quickly on busy nights. Pro Tips Use Fresh Pesto: For the best flavor, opt for fresh basil pesto instead of store-bought. Homemade pesto can elevate the dish significantly. Perfect Pasta Texture: Ensure you cook the penne al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce. This prevents a mushy texture. Adjust Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, gradually mix in the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. This also helps the sauce cling to the pasta better. Garnish for Freshness: Always finish the dish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a burst of color and flavor. A drizzle of olive oil can also enhance presentation. {{image_2}} You can easily change this dish to suit your taste. Adding vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition. Consider tossing in fresh spinach or sweet peas. These veggies add color and crunch. They also make the meal more filling. If you want a different protein, shrimp or tofu work well. Shrimp adds a tasty seafood twist. Tofu is perfect for a plant-based option. Both choices bring new flavors to the table. To elevate the dish, play with seasonings. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Italian seasoning brings depth to the sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can brighten the dish. Try swapping out the cheese for variety. Feta provides a tangy kick. Mozzarella offers a creamy melt. Each cheese creates a unique taste experience. Pair your creamy pesto chicken penne with side dishes. A simple green salad complements the dish well. Garlic bread offers a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta. Both options enhance your meal. You can create a complete meal by adding a protein. Grilled chicken or roasted vegetables make this dish heartier. This way, you’ll have a satisfying dinner ready in no time. After enjoying your creamy pesto chicken penne, store any leftovers to keep them fresh. Let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing. Place it in airtight containers. This helps keep moisture in and prevents the pasta from drying out. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating your creamy pesto chicken penne, the microwave is quick. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. This helps the pasta heat evenly. You can also use the stovetop. Add a splash of water or cream in a pan over low heat. Stir often to keep the sauce from separating. This method warms the pasta without drying it out. Yes, you can freeze creamy pesto chicken penne! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. Freeze it for up to three months. This is perfect for quick meals later. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the stovetop or microwave. Add a bit of cream or pasta water to help it regain its creamy texture. Enjoy your meal anytime! Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes? Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Options like fusilli or farfalle work great. They will hold the sauce well. Just cook them according to their package instructions. What Makes Pesto Homemade So Unique? Homemade pesto shines with fresh flavors. You can adjust the ingredients to your taste. You choose the herbs, nuts, and oil. This gives you a unique flavor that store-bought cannot match. Can I Make Pesto from Scratch? Absolutely! Making pesto from scratch is easy and fun. Blend fresh basil, garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. You can control the taste and texture. Is Heavy Cream Necessary for This Recipe? Heavy cream adds creaminess and richness. If you want a lighter dish, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt. These will change the flavor slightly but still taste good. How Many Calories per Serving? Each serving has about 550 calories. This may vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a filling meal that balances protein and carbs well. What Side Dishes Pair Well with This Meal? A simple green salad pairs well with this dish. Garlic bread is also a great choice. Both add freshness and crunch, enhancing the meal experience. In this blog post, we explored the delicious recipe for Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne. I highlighted key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for a perfect dish. You can customize it easily, using different proteins or veggies. Remember to store your leftovers properly and follow reheating tips to enjoy later. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. With practice, you’ll create meals that impress everyone. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with friends and family!$

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring penne, chicken, and basil pesto.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup basil pesto
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt
to taste pepper
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 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Add the basil pesto and stir to combine, warming it slightly.
Reduce the heat to low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta with the creamy pesto sauce. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve the pasta in deep bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and whole basil leaves for a fresh touch. A drizzle of olive oil on top can enhance the visual appeal.

Keyword chicken, creamy, pasta, pesto