Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Delight
This Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Delight is a family favorite that never fails to please, particularly my second son who eagerly awaits this dish every month. The combination of tender chicken thighs, crispy bacon, and earthy mushrooms all tossed together in a luscious sun-dried tomato pesto cream sauce creates a symphony of flavors. What’s great about this recipe is its versatility—feel free to switch up the pesto or add colorful bell peppers and tangy olives. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this pasta dish brings comfort and a touch of elegance to any table.
4
Servings
550
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1 medium (diced)
Bacon
4 slices (diced)
Garlic
1 clove (crushed)
Chicken thigh fillets
400 g (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Mushrooms
200 g (sliced)
Dry white wine
100 ml
Chicken stock
100 ml
Sun-dried tomato pesto
175 g (jar)
Light cream
300 ml (container)
Parmesan cheese
50 g (shredded)
Green onion tops
1/4 cup
Pasta
500 g (of your choice (Penne preferred))
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and bacon until the onion becomes soft and the bacon is crispy, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the crushed garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
4
Next, introduce the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully cooked and turns a nice white color, approximately 10 minutes.
5
Pour in the dry white wine and allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly reduced. Then add the chicken stock.
6
Stir in the sun-dried tomato pesto and light cream, and heat through until well combined and warmed, about 3-5 minutes.
7
Incorporate the shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped green onion tops, mixing until evenly distributed.
8
Serve immediately over a generous portion of cooked pasta, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side for those who love an extra sprinkle.
Nutrition Information
25 g
Fat
60 g
Carbs
22.5 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Delight?
It is a family favorite pasta dish featuring tender chicken thighs, crispy bacon, and mushrooms tossed in a sun-dried tomato pesto cream sauce.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
While you can use any pasta, Penne is the preferred choice for this specific recipe.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
The recipe calls for 400g of chicken thigh fillets for their tenderness, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer.
What type of pesto is used in this sauce?
The dish uses 175g of sun-dried tomato pesto to create its unique flavor profile.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this pasta dish contains approximately 550 calories.
Is there alcohol in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 100ml of dry white wine, which is simmered to reduce before adding the stock.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 22.5 grams of protein in each serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
This recipe contains 25 grams of fat per serving.
How long does it take to cook the chicken and mushrooms?
The bite-sized chicken pieces and sliced mushrooms should be sautéed for approximately 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
What type of cream should be used for the sauce?
The recipe specifies 300ml of light cream.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, the recipe is versatile; you can add colorful bell peppers or tangy olives to enhance the dish.
How much pasta is required?
You will need 500g of your chosen pasta.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of bacon to be diced and sautéed until crispy.
When should the garlic be added?
Add the crushed garlic to the skillet after the onion and bacon have softened, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this meal?
There are 60 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe uses 50g of shredded Parmesan cheese to be stirred into the sauce.
What garnish is recommended?
The dish is topped with 1/4 cup of chopped green onion tops and extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comfort food dish that brings elegance and warmth to the table.
How do I cook the pasta properly?
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.
How much chicken stock is used?
The recipe calls for 100ml of chicken stock.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One medium onion should be diced before sautéing.
How long do I sauté the onion and bacon?
Sauté the diced onion and bacon for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft.
When do I stir in the pesto and cream?
After adding the stock and wine, stir in the pesto and light cream and heat through for 3-5 minutes.
How should the chicken be cut?
The chicken thigh fillets should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients listed for this Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta.
Can I use a different type of pesto?
Yes, the description mentions that you can feel free to switch up the pesto to suit your preference.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, the total cooking time for the sauce components is roughly 20-25 minutes, making it an easy meal.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
200g of mushrooms should be sliced before being added to the skillet.
When is the Parmesan cheese added?
Incorporate the shredded Parmesan cheese along with the green onion tops in the final step before serving.