Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

This pasta recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner. It can be prepared in as little as 20 minutes. This luxurious pasta is perfect for when you want a warm, creamy bowl of Italian comfort.

This chicken pesto spaghetti with its velvety basil pesto is definitely a treat. The first step to the Mediterranean diet is a complete abandonment of the word "diet". Eating Mediterranean style is not about "Eat this and not that". Instead, it's about eating with joy and balance. We also share.

This recipe for chicken pesto pasta is perfect to serve on a special occasion, such as a date or a night at home. It's also quick enough to make a weeknight meal. It's a great way to dress up store-bought or homemade pesto. Sun-dried tomatoes with a tart flavor add a bright pop of flavor that balances the creaminess of the sauce. Italian seasoning, whether it's store-bought in a jar or homemade by me, adds a delicate aroma.

This isn't your typical chicken pesto recipe. This slightly lighter and super flavorful pesto pasta is actually better than the richer versions of the dish I have tried in Italian restaurants. It's delicious, comforting, and a great dish to share.

Pesto chicken Pasta ingredients

Pesto chicken pasta is a simple recipe that uses ingredients you can find at any supermarket. You'll need:

• Pasta You can use any type of short pasta, including spaghetti, if you don't have any other options. I like the penne pasta with the ridges because the gaps help to keep the sauce creamy.
• Chest: Although I prefer thighs, the creamy sauce requires a meat that is leaner and not too rich. The best chicken breasts to use are skinless and boneless.
• Seasonings - Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, and Red Pepper Flakes enhance the flavor. Italian seasoning has a pleasant aroma. I use dried herbs and spices to make my own Italian Seasoning. These include dried basil, thyme and rosemary, marjoram and parsley, as well as red pepper flakes and garlic powder. It's salt free, has a good flavor balance and is handy to have on hand. Store-bought versions work well too.
• Olive Oil:Used for pan-searing the chicken. Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. I like our buttery Italian Nocellara variety for this recipe.
• Milk Just 1/2 cup heavy cream will make you a velvety, rich sauce.
• Parmesan:Adds an umami flavor. If you can, grab whole blocks of Parmesan as they are more flavorful than the pre-grated ones.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: They add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, and a springy texture to the pesto and chicken. Our shop sells our favorite sun dried tomatoes, but you can also use halved cherries in a pinch.
• PestoI keep a supply of homemade basil pesto in my refrigerator or freezer to make a nutritious and quick meal when I need it. You'll need to make your own basil pesto. You'll also need lemon, pinenuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil and salt and pepper. You can also use a high-quality variety from the store.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: A garnish of fresh basil leaves will add freshness and lighten the creaminess in the sauce.

This Recipe

Pesto chicken spaghetti is so easy to make! You can have your pesto ready in just 15 minutes. How to make it?

• Season your chicken. Chop 1 pound of skinless, boneless chicken breasts in 1-inch pieces. Add them to a large bowl. Season the chicken with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, kosher sea salt and black powder. Toss the chicken to coat.
• Cook pasta. Bring water to a rolling boil in a medium-sized pot and add about one tablespoon of salt. Drop the pasta into the boiling water, and cook according to the package instructions. This should take 8-9 minutes.
• Cooking the chicken Add the olive oil in a large, non-stick pan while the pasta is boiling. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 8 mins, or until the outside is golden brown and the inside is cooked.
• Drain pasta. Reserve about 1 cup cooking water when the pasta is done.
• Combine. Reduce the heat in the pan and add the pasta cooked, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cups of parmesan and 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes. Stir everything until it is combined. Add a few tablespoons of pasta water (at a time) if it seems a little dry. Stir until everything is well combined.
• Add the pesto. Remove the pan from the burner and turn off the heat. Add 1/2 cup basil pesto. Add a little grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes, to taste. Also, add some fresh basil leaves torn into pieces. Serve.

What to serve with chicken pesto pasta

You can eat this creamy pesto pasta by itself, and it will satisfy you.

Start your date with an Aperol or Negroni. Serve the pasta along with some freshly baked Rosemary Focaccia and Roasted Garlic, to help you eat up any pesto cream that may remain on your plate.

To balance out the rich sauce, I recommend a light and refreshing side dish. This pasta recipe is paired perfectly with a crunchy and bright Lemon Parmesan Lettuce salad.

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The Mediterranean Dish first published Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main meals in a Mediterranean meal?

Mediterranean cuisine includes fruits, vegetables (at least twice per week), whole grains, legumes. Nuts are an option. Pre-packaged processed foods should be avoided whenever possible. You should use herbs instead of salt when flavoring meals. It is essential to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine in order to reap all the benefits of this diet. Incorporating mindful eating techniques with family and friends when sharing food can help make this diet more enjoyable for those following it.

Can the Mediterranean Diet allow for vegetarians?

Yes, you can adapt the Mediterranean Diet to be vegetarian. For this diet, vegetarians can choose to eat a variety of plant-based proteins, such as fish and poultry. They could choose various plant-based options for protein sources like legumes, nuts, and seeds, which are staples in the Mediterranean Diet. Healthy fats such as olive oils, olives, or avocados can help to replace the protein source. Alternate dairy sources, such as soy yogurt or tofu, can be used to supplement the diet. You can also try other options such as mashing beans with toast, adding nuts or seeds to salads and bowls, serving hummus throughout the day with vegetables, or substituting ice-cream with frozen banana slices for dessert.

Is oatmeal OK on a Mediterranean diet?

Yes, oatmeal is permitted on the Mediterranean Diet. Whole grains such as oats can be a good source for dietary fiber, iron, and magnesium. You can serve them with blueberries or nuts, seeds, or savory items like eggs or cheese. Oatmeal is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to help you make a healthy breakfast. Oatmeal can be added to smoothies, used as a topping in protein bars or simply eaten plain with almond butter and various toppings like cinnamon, gojiberries and chia seed. Oats are very popular in countries of the Mediterranean basin. Many consider them to be compatible with this type diet.

Statistics

• Benefits of Replacing foods high in saturated fats (like butter) with plant sources high in monounsaturated fatty acids, like olive oil, may help lower the risk of heart disease by 19 percent, according to research. (everydayhealth.com)
• Choose fat-free or 1% milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
• Other components in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of blood clots, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease, according to a March 2019 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (everydayhealth.com)
• The Mediterranean Diet group had a 30% lower relative risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low-fat diet group. (my.clevelandclinic.org)

External Links

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• Mediterranean Diet Beginner's Guide: Ranked #1 Best Diet in 2023 | U.S. News


• Best Diets overall 2023 – Expertly reviewed - US News Health

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• American Heart Association


• What is the Mediterranean Diet (or Mediterranean Diet)? American Heart Association

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• Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet: Biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms - PubMed


• The Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Health - PubMed

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• Traditional Med Diet | Oldways


• Mediterranean Diet | Oldways

How To

How the Mediterranean diet can help you lose weight while feeling great

The Mediterranean Diet, a dietary pattern that emphasizes healthy fats. Whole grains, legumes, fresh fruit and vegetables are all part of the Mediterranean Diet. It has been shown to have many health benefits including improved blood cholesterol, glucose control, reduced chance of developing certain cancers, better heart health, cognitive function, and weight management. Adopting a Mediterranean diet can be made simpler with some tips. You can start to swap out high-calorie snacks like chips and replace them with nutrient dense vegetables. Secondly, learn how to increase variety in your diet by adding spices or different sources derived from nuts, fruits, and vegetables. You can increase your satisfaction by incorporating grains, legumes, or high-fiber foods. These steps will enable you to enjoy your food while also achieving a healthier lifestyle that may lead to additional health benefits such a longer lifespan, better quality of life, and greater enjoyment.

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