Chicken Pesto Pasta

Chicken Pesto Pasta is a creamy, cheesy delight that combines tender chicken and pasta in a luscious pesto sauce. This quick and easy meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

• Pasta:
  • ½ pound penne pasta (about 2 ½ cups dry)
• Chicken:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup half and half (or all milk/cream)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup basil pesto (or more, to taste)
• Garnish:
  • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and diced chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, stirring occasionally to brown on all sides. Transfer the chicken to a plate and discard any liquid left in the skillet.
3. Make the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 3 minutes, until golden. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half and half. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine Everything:
   Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the pesto and both cheeses. Mix well until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly. For best results, add the cheese in small increments, mixing well after each addition to prevent the mozzarella from clumping.
5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh chopped basil and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!