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Best Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Best Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

A delicious creamy pasta flavored with basil pesto, parmesan, garlic and a squeeze of lemon, topped with golden brown chicken breast.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Meat Sauces
Cuisine Italian Inspired
Servings 2 people
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or fry pan
  • Saucepan for cooking pasta

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 200 grams dried pasta or 300 grams fresh, see notes

For the chicken

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 piece chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon flour

For the sauce

  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • ¾ cup single or light cream see notes
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice plus the zest for serving
  • ⅓ cup basil pesto homemade or store bought
  • 20 grams parmesan cheese very finely grated
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Cook your pasta in well salted boiling water, undercooking by 1 minute. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Flatten the chicken breast to an even thickness (about 1-1.5cm).
  • Season the breast well with salt and pepper on each side then dust with the flour.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a fry pan over a medium high heat and fry the chicken for 2 mins each side until cooked through.
  • Lightly wrap in foil and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and fry the garlic for 1 - 2 minutes.
  • Turn the heat down slightly and add the cream. Bring to a very gentle simmer.
  • Add the lemon juice and pepper and whisk in quickly.
  • Add the finely grated parmesan and mix it in until melted through.
  • Add the pesto, mix through then add your cooked pasta and toss.
  • Let it very gently bubble away for 1 - 2 minutes. Season to taste.
  • Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen.
  • Divide between bowls, slice your chicken and place on top with extra grated parmesan and lemon zest.

Notes

Creamy pasta is best eaten fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It’s recommended to gently reheat with a splash of water or cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword Best Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, chicken pasta, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian Pasta, pesto
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