In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding a quick yet delicious meal that pleases everyone can be challenging. Enter the Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken – a dish that combines the richness of pesto with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. What sets this recipe apart is its creaminess achieved without the use of cream, making it a lighter yet still indulgent option. This recipe not only delivers on flavor but also on simplicity, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need to whip up something impressive in a short amount of time.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This dish marries the robust flavors of homemade pesto with the succulent texture of chicken breast and the comforting appeal of pasta. The pesto, made from sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, basil, feta, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, offers a vibrant and aromatic sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. The addition of chicken provides a satisfying protein component, while the absence of cream keeps the dish light yet creamy, thanks to the thoughtful combination of ingredients. The use of pasta water, often a secret ingredient in Italian cooking, helps to create a silky sauce that binds everything together without the need for heavy cream.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Pesto:
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a concentrated, tangy flavor that adds depth to the pesto.
- Pine Nuts: A classic ingredient in pesto, pine nuts add a rich, buttery texture.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves provide a fragrant, herbal note that is quintessential to pesto.
- Feta: This cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that helps create the creamy texture without cream.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Olive Oil: A healthy fat that brings everything together into a smooth, cohesive sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a burst of acidity that brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the other ingredients.
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 150g Chicken Breast: A lean source of protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken, adding flavor and preventing sticking.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the chicken and the entire dish.
- Paprika Powder: Adds a subtle smokiness and color to the chicken.
- 200g Pasta: Choose your favorite type of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base to the dish.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Provide a burst of freshness and slight sweetness.
- Pasta Water: The starchy cooking water from the pasta helps create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
- Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty finish that complements the pesto.
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, basil, feta, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste. This homemade pesto can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breast pieces with salt and paprika powder. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and burst, releasing their juices.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the onions and cherry tomatoes. Stir in the homemade pesto, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve a creamy consistency. Add the cooked chicken and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta among serving plates and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with additional basil leaves if desired for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken
- Quality Ingredients:
- Use the freshest ingredients you can find, especially when it comes to basil and garlic. Fresh basil leaves will provide the most vibrant flavor, while fresh garlic adds a sharp, aromatic punch.
- Pasta Water:
- Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water is key to achieving a silky, cohesive sauce without the need for cream.
- Cooking the Chicken:
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the chicken quickly, locking in juices and flavor.
- Homemade Pesto:
- While store-bought pesto can be convenient, making your own allows you to control the quality and balance of flavors. Plus, it’s fresher and free from preservatives.
- Adjusting Consistency:
- If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add more pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add more pesto or let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
- Serving Suggestions:
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread. A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would also complement the flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The chicken provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The pasta, especially if you opt for whole grain, offers complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy. The homemade pesto, made with olive oil and pine nuts, contributes healthy fats that are good for heart health. Additionally, the inclusion of fresh vegetables like onions and cherry tomatoes adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this meal a balanced option that nourishes the body while delighting the taste buds.
Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken – Without Cream is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy, whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends. The vibrant pesto, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta make for a harmonious combination that is both satisfying and nourishing. Enjoy the process of cooking this delightful meal, and savor every bite of the delicious result. Happy cooking!
Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken – Without Cream: A Flavorful Delight
Equipment
- 1 Food processor To blend the pesto ingredients
- 2 Large Skillet or Pan: For cooking the chicken and sautéing vegetables.
- 3 Pot To boil the pasta.
Ingredients
-For the Pesto:
- – Sun-dried tomatoes
- – Pine nuts
- – Fresh basil
- – Feta cheese
- – Garlic
- – Olive oil
- – Lemon juice
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- – 150g chicken breast
- – Olive oil
- – Salt
- – Paprika powder
- – 200g pasta your choice
- – Onion
- – Cherry tomatoes
- – Reserved pasta water
- – Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Pesto:
- – In a food processor, combine sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, fresh basil, feta cheese, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Cook the Chicken:
- – Season the chicken breast with salt and paprika powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- РIn the same skillet used for the chicken, add a little more olive oil if needed. Saut̩ the chopped onion until translucent. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and burst.
- Combine Everything:
- – Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the onions and tomatoes. Stir in the prepared pesto and reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches the desired creaminess. Add the cooked chicken and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Serve:
- – Divide the pasta among serving plates. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with additional basil if desired. Enjoy!
