Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Delight
Indulge in this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Delight, a delightful blend of tender ground chicken and ribbon pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy pesto sauce. The dish offers an irresistible flavor profile, enhanced by the sweetness of semi sun-dried tomatoes and the aromatic touch of fresh basil. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe is easily customizable with different types of pesto and can be made with either sun-dried or fresh tomatoes. Prepare to savor this comforting dish that brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
onion
1 (sliced)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
ground chicken
500 (grams)
prepared pesto sauce
1/4 (cup)
cream
1/2 (cup)
semi sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 (cup, sliced)
ribbon pasta
250 (grams)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
basil leaves
for garnish
shaved parmesan cheese
for garnish
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and crushed garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
2
Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Reduce the heat, then stir in the prepared pesto sauce, cream, semi sun-dried tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4
Meanwhile, in a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the ribbon pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
5
Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy chicken pesto sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated.
6
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and shaved parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Delight?
It is a comforting dish featuring tender ground chicken and ribbon pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy pesto sauce with semi sun-dried tomatoes.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of chicken is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 500 grams of ground chicken.
Can I substitute ground chicken with something else?
Yes, you can use thinly sliced chicken breast or even ground turkey as a substitute.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 250 grams of ribbon pasta.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely, varieties like penne, fusilli, or fettuccine would also work well with this sauce.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The ground chicken should be cooked for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked through.
What goes into the creamy pesto sauce?
The sauce is made by combining prepared pesto, cream, and semi sun-dried tomatoes.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, though semi sun-dried tomatoes provide a more concentrated sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as an easy dinner and a perfect weeknight meal.
How should I prepare the onion and garlic?
The onion should be sliced and the garlic cloves should be crushed before sautéing.
Can I make this a vegetarian dish?
You can make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding mushrooms, chickpeas, or extra vegetables.
What are the recommended garnishes?
The dish is best served garnished with fresh basil leaves and shaved parmesan cheese.
Should I use homemade or store-bought pesto?
The recipe calls for prepared pesto sauce, so store-bought is fine, but homemade works too.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based cream alternative and ensure your pesto does not contain cheese.
Do I cook the pasta in the same skillet as the sauce?
No, the pasta should be cooked separately in a large pot of salted water and then tossed into the skillet with the sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Is this pasta dish spicy?
The recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the sautéing stage is a great way to include more vegetables.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this creamy pesto pasta?
While you can freeze it, the cream sauce may separate slightly when thawed and reheated.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so that it is still firm to the bite, rather than completely soft.
Can I use red pesto instead of green basil pesto?
Yes, using red pesto (sun-dried tomato based) will change the flavor but is a delicious variation.
What is the best way to reheat the leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to help loosen the sauce.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite brand of gluten-free ribbon or shaped pasta.
What type of pan should I use?
A large skillet is best for sautéing the ingredients and mixing in the pasta.
Why are semi sun-dried tomatoes preferred over regular ones?
They offer a unique chewy texture and a sweet, intense flavor that complements the pesto.
Can I use dried basil if I don't have fresh?
You can stir dried basil into the sauce, but fresh basil is recommended for the best garnish flavor.
What if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a small amount of the pasta cooking water to thin it out.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, the combination of pasta, pesto, and parmesan brings traditional Italian flavors to the meal.