Chicken Pesto
Creamy chicken pesto pasta combines tender chicken, fragrant pesto, and smooth cream cheese tossed with rotini for a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into cubes.
- Start cooking the rotini pasta according to package instructions, reserving about 3/4 of a box.
- In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Mix in lemon juice and cook until heated through.
- Add the chicken cubes to the pan, sprinkle with garlic salt and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine the cream cheese blocks and pesto.
- Melt over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add to the pan with the chicken.
- Mix in the melted pesto and cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using more cream cheese or adding a splash of milk to your pesto mixture. You can substitute rotini with any pasta of your choice, like penne or fusilli. If you're out of chicken, turkey or tofu can work as great alternatives. Adjust the pesto amount to your taste; start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you like it stronger.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Pesto with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a heartier meal, pair it with Escarole Bean And Ham Soup. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top can elevate the flavors further, making it a delightful option for family dinners or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to retain moisture and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth. This dish also freezes well; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Pesto contains roughly 651 calories, with 25g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value) and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 796mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for rotini, you can easily substitute it with penne, fusilli, or any pasta you prefer. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
What can I do if I don't have pesto?
If you're out of pesto, you can make a quick substitute by blending fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and nuts like pine nuts or walnuts. Alternatively, you can toss in some fresh herbs or a splash of Italian seasoning for added flavor.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Chicken Pesto is great for meal prep! You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance, then mix them with the pesto and cream cheese sauce when you're ready to eat. Just store the components separately to maintain freshness until serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).