Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Delight
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Delight is a family favorite that transforms simple ingredients into a rich and satisfying meal. While pesto might not be everyone's cup of tea, our husbands absolutely adore this dish! The creamy sauce, paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, creates a wonderful harmony of flavors that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Serve it alongside garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bow tie pasta
3 cups (uncooked)
Butter or margarine
2 tablespoons
Diced boneless chicken breast
1 lb
Cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can
Pesto sauce
1/2 cup
Milk or half-and-half cream
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
3
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of chicken soup, pesto sauce, and milk. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4
Once boiling, lower the heat to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
5
Gently fold in the cooked bow tie pasta, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
6
Serve hot with garlic bread and a side salad for a delightful dining experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Delight?
It is a rich and satisfying family favorite meal that combines bow tie pasta, tender chicken, and a creamy pesto sauce.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle, which holds the creamy sauce well.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute bow tie pasta with penne, rotini, or fusilli if you prefer.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Use 1 lb of diced boneless, skinless chicken breast for the best results.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used and will provide a slightly juicier texture.
What provides the creaminess in the sauce?
The creaminess comes from a combination of cream of chicken soup, milk (or half-and-half), and pesto sauce.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine to be used for browning the chicken.
Is half-and-half better than milk?
Using half-and-half cream will result in a richer and thicker sauce compared to regular milk.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked over medium heat for about 6 to 8 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned.
Should the pasta be cooked before adding it to the sauce?
Yes, cook the pasta according to the package instructions and drain it before folding it into the sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors of the pesto and soup to blend.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it hot with a side of garlic bread and a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Can I use homemade pesto?
Absolutely! While store-bought works fine, homemade pesto will add a fresher flavor to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is considered a family favorite and is generally well-received by children due to its creamy texture.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, adding steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed spinach would be a great way to incorporate more nutrition.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe requires 6 main ingredients: pasta, butter, chicken, cream of chicken soup, pesto, and milk.
Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken; just skip the browning step and add it directly to the sauce mixture.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
If the sauce is too thick after simmering, you can stir in an extra splash of milk or a little bit of the pasta cooking water.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bow tie pasta and ensure the cream of chicken soup is a gluten-free variety.
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 pasta?
While you can freeze it, the cream sauce may change texture slightly upon thawing; it is best enjoyed fresh.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a tiny splash of milk to restore the creaminess.
Do I need to season the chicken?
Yes, the instructions recommend seasoning the diced chicken with salt and pepper while cooking.
What size can of soup is needed?
You will need one standard 10.75-ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup.
Can I use a low-fat version of the soup?
Yes, a low-fat or 'healthy request' version of the cream of chicken soup will work, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
Does this recipe work with shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken for shrimp; just cook the shrimp until pink before adding the sauce components.
Can I add Parmesan cheese?
Sprinkling fresh Parmesan cheese on top before serving is an excellent way to enhance the flavor.
How much pesto sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of pesto sauce.
What if I don't like pesto?
The cream of chicken soup mellows the pesto flavor, but if you dislike it, you could try using sundried tomato pesto instead.
How much uncooked pasta equals 3 cups?
Generally, 3 cups of dry bow tie pasta is roughly 8 to 10 ounces depending on the brand.