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Creamy Pesto Pasta

A comforting and vibrant pasta dish featuring a creamy pesto sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and easily customizable.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz Pasta (penne or fettuccine) Use a pasta shape that holds creamy sauce well.
  • 1 cup Cream Heavy cream recommended for a rich texture.
  • 1/2 cup Pesto Sauce Store-bought or homemade pesto can be used.
  • 1 cup Cooked Chicken (optional) Sliced thinly for a protein boost.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated for best melt and flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil For cooking.
  • to taste Salt & Pepper For seasoning.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (for garnish) Adds freshness and visual appeal.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken (Optional)
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cooked chicken and sauté until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Making the Sauce
  1. Reduce heat and add cream and pesto sauce to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
  1. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
Final Seasoning and Serving
  1. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if necessary. Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors. Keep heat low after adding cream to avoid curdling.