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Creamy Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken Recipe – Quick & Delicious Dinner
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Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy pesto sauce for a meal that's both satisfying and flavorful.
Easy to make and packed with fresh ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Learn how to make this delicious pasta dish step-by-step and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Ingredients
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Instructions
Prepare the Pesto
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Set aside.
Grill the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the heavy cream over medium heat.
- Add the prepared pesto and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Slice the grilled chicken and place on top of the pasta.
Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 350mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds if desired.
- Use store-bought pesto for a quicker version.
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra vegetables.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pesto and grill the chicken ahead of time. Cook the pasta and combine everything just before serving for best results.
What type of pasta works best with pesto?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well as they hold the sauce better.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp, turkey, or tofu are great alternatives to chicken.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, light cream, and reduce the amount of cheese to lower the calorie count.
Is this dish gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Author: UpwardZone
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User Reviews
DELICIOUS, even better with extra mozzarella cheese!!!!!!