Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Indulge in a delightful Italian-inspired dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends! This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes combines tender, juicy chicken breasts sautéed to perfection and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich basil pesto and light cream sauce. The addition of semi sun-dried tomatoes brings a burst of flavor and a hint of sweetness that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Enjoy it with a chilled glass of white wine for the ultimate dining experience!
4
Servings
400
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
chicken breasts
2 (skin and fat removed)
penne or spiral shaped pasta
14 ounces (none)
semi sun-dried tomatoes
3/4 cup (roughly chopped)
basil pesto
2/3 cup (none)
light cream
2/3 cup (none)
parmesan cheese
to serve (grated or shaved)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.
3
In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the saucepan.
4
In the same frying pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped semi sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for about one minute to release their flavor.
5
Thinly slice the cooked chicken and return it to the frying pan with the sun-dried tomatoes. Stir in the basil pesto and light cream, tossing everything over low heat until well combined and heated through.
6
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and mix everything together well. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
7
Serve the creamy pesto chicken pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly grated or shaved parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
40g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
It is an Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts, pasta, basil pesto, light cream, and semi sun-dried tomatoes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 14 ounces of penne or spiral shaped pasta.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 400 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 25g of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
This dish contains 15g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Use 2 chicken breasts with the skin and fat removed.
How long do I cook the chicken?
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and no longer pink.
What preparation is needed for the sun-dried tomatoes?
The 3/4 cup of semi sun-dried tomatoes should be roughly chopped.
How much basil pesto is needed?
You will need 2/3 cup of basil pesto.
What type of cream is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of light cream.
How should the chicken be sliced?
The cooked chicken should be thinly sliced before being added back to the pan.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is garnished with freshly grated or shaved parmesan cheese.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the pasta according to package directions until it is al dente.
How much olive oil is required?
A total of 2 tablespoons of olive oil is used throughout the recipe.
When do I add the pesto and cream?
Stir in the basil pesto and light cream after returning the sliced chicken and sun-dried tomatoes to the frying pan.
What heat setting is used for the sauce?
The ingredients should be tossed over low heat until well combined and heated through.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is designed to be quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
What drink pairs well with this pasta?
It is recommended to enjoy this dish with a chilled glass of white wine.
What is the cuisine category for this recipe?
This recipe falls under the European category.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients listed.
Should I season the chicken?
Yes, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
How long should I sauté the sun-dried tomatoes?
Sauté them for about one minute to release their flavor.
What pan is best for this recipe?
A large frying pan is used for cooking the chicken and mixing the final dish.
Can I add extra salt and pepper at the end?
Yes, you can taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired once everything is mixed.
What should I do with the chicken while the pasta cooks?
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover it to keep it warm.
Is there fiber or sugar information available?
Fiber and sugar content are not specified for this recipe.
Does the recipe use fresh pesto?
The recipe lists basil pesto generally, so you can use your preferred variety.
What is the final assembly step?
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the chicken and sauce, mixing everything together well before serving.