Chicken and pasta blended with creamy pesto, prepared simply in one skillet for quick, flavorful results.
# What you'll need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 - 450 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
02 - 340 g (12 oz) penne pasta
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 240 ml (1 cup) prepared basil pesto
05 - 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
06 - 120 ml (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Optional Garnishes
10 - Fresh basil leaves, sliced
11 - Additional grated Parmesan cheese
# Method:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
03 - Add minced garlic to the skillet with chicken and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in cooked penne pasta, basil pesto, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Toss to evenly coat the pasta and chicken.
05 - Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the skillet and stir gently until the cheese melts into the sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
06 - Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
