Tired of the same old leftover grilled chicken sandwich? Let's elevate those delicious chicken leftovers into a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta! This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious homemade meal. It's one of those quick dinner ideas that's both satisfying and surprisingly elegant. Get ready to impress yourself (and maybe even some dinner guests!) with this fantastic recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked grilled chicken, shredded or diced (about 1-1.5 lbs before cooking)
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade – see variation below!)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded grilled chicken to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to heat through. Stir in the pesto, heavy cream (or half-and-half), and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the creamy pesto chicken sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), and fresh basil (if using).
Cooking Tips:
- Don't overcook the garlic: Burned garlic will ruin the flavor of the dish. Cook it just until fragrant.
- Save that pasta water: The starchy water helps create a creamier, more cohesive sauce.
- Adjust the cream: For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of cream for a less rich sauce.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Variations:
- Homemade Pesto: Making your own pesto is easy! Simply blend fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth.
- Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the skillet with the chicken.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest adds brightness and acidity to the dish.
- Different Cheese: Try using Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or a blend of cheeses instead of Parmesan.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-550
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover grilled chicken and create a delicious and satisfying meal. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that don't compromise on flavor or quality. Enjoy!