Description
Comfort meets elegance in this chicken pesto pasta, blending Italian culinary traditions with home-kitchen simplicity. Fresh basil, tender chicken, and al dente pasta unite in a harmonious meal that delights you with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound (226.8 grams) penne pasta (about 2.5 cups dry)
- 1 pound (453.6 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
Sauce and Cheese Components:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half (or milk/cream)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (or more, to taste)
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- Prepare pasta in salted boiling water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
- Sauté diced chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, incorporating minced garlic and italian seasoning. Cook at medium heat until chicken turns golden and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- Create a roux by melting butter in the same skillet, whisking in flour until achieving a light golden color and nutty aroma, roughly 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually incorporate chicken broth and half & half into the roux, stirring continuously. Simmer at medium-low temperature for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes velvety.
- Reduce heat and fold in pesto and grated cheeses, ensuring smooth integration. Gently mix in reserved pasta and chicken, coating every ingredient evenly.
- Transfer to serving dish, garnish with fresh basil leaves and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately while sauce remains creamy and warm.
Notes
- Perfectly Al Dente Pasta Ensure pasta is cooked just until tender with a slight bite, which prevents mushiness and helps the sauce cling better.
- Chicken Seasoning Technique Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior and lock in maximum flavor.
- Roux Mastery Whisk flour and butter continuously to prevent burning and create a smooth, lump-free base for the creamy sauce.
- Cheese Melting Hack Add cheese gradually off the heat to prevent clumping and create a silky, even sauce texture.
- Gluten-Free Modification Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
- Low-Carb Alternative Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg