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**Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta**

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious, herbaceous pesto cream sauce. This easy, one-pan meal comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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Equipment

  • - Large pot for cooking pasta
  • - Large skillet or saucepan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • - Tongs or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • #### **For the Pasta**
  • - 8 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni
  • - Salt for boiling water
  • #### **For the Chicken**
  • - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 boneless thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • - 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • - ½ teaspoon salt
  • - ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • - ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • #### **For the Pesto Cream Sauce**
  • - 1 cup heavy cream
  • - ½ cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
  • - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • - 1 tablespoon butter
  • - 2 cloves garlic minced
  • - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat

Instructions
 

  • **Cook the Pasta**
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • **Cook the Chicken**
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • **Prepare the Pesto Cream Sauce**
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the pesto, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
  • **Combine Everything**
  • Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  • **Serve**
  • Remove from heat and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!