Description

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is an easy 30-minute dinner loaded with juicy chicken and tender asparagus. Add your favorite pesto sauce to brighten and lighten up the flavors of the creamy Alfredo-style sauce for a perfect family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken breasts (trimmed)
1 tsp salt (divided)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 lb asparagus (ends trimmed and cut into 2″ pieces)
2 cups heavy whipping cream
4 Tbsp pesto sauce
4 Tbsp olive oil
12 oz fettuccini pasta (or linguine)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until desired doneness.
Cook Chicken: Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chicken 3 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove, rest for 5 minutes, and slice into strips.
Saute Asparagus: Add 2 Tbsp olive oil to the same pan with asparagus. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
Make the Sauce: Add 2 cups heavy whipping cream to the skillet. Bring to a simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in 4 Tbsp pesto and the chicken, cooking for 2 additional minutes. Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt.
Combine and Serve: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, stir to coat, and serve immediately.

Notes

Salt the pasta water generously until it tastes like the ocean to ensure the noodles are seasoned from the inside out.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 535 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 459 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 154 mg

Keywords: chicken pesto pasta, pesto chicken pasta, pesto pasta, creamy pasta, 30 minute meal