Creamy Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Pasta Recipe
If you’re searching for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful pasta dish that is sure to satisfy everyone at the table, the Creamy Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Pasta recipe is just what you need. This Italian-inspired delight combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a homemade pesto sauce, all brought together with perfectly cooked spaghetti pasta. What’s even better? The recipe doesn’t include any added cream or cheese, making it ideal for weight-watchers and those seeking a lighter, yet delicious meal. Plus, it’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it a great choice for a high-protein, non-vegetarian dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can have a complete meal thatโs perfect for busy weeknights or even a relaxed weekend dinner.
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless) | 4 pieces |
| Durum Wheat Spaghetti Pasta | 300 grams |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | 50 grams |
| Walnuts | 1/4 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Salt | to taste |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling enough water in a saucepan, adding a pinch of salt to speed up the process. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti pasta. Let the pasta cook until itโs al dente (tender but firm to the bite). After the pasta is cooked, strain it under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the pasta, toss well, and set it aside. -
Prepare the Basil Pesto:
In a blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, walnuts, parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt. Blend the mixture until smooth. Add a little water if the mixture is too thick. Once the pesto reaches a creamy consistency, squeeze in a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice for an extra zing. Set the pesto aside. -
Cook the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Mince the remaining garlic and set it aside. Heat a wide pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sautรฉ for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken cubes and cook until they turn from pink to white and are nicely browned. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper to taste. -
Combine Ingredients:
Add the prepared pesto to the pan with the cooked chicken. Toss in the boiled spaghetti pasta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything together, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the pesto sauce. Stir-fry on medium heat for a couple of minutes until the flavors meld together and everything is heated through. -
Serve:
Taste the pasta and adjust the salt and seasoning as needed. Turn off the heat and transfer the creamy chicken pesto pasta to a serving dish. Garnish with extra basil leaves or parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestion
For a complete and hearty meal, serve the Creamy Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Pasta with a side of Garlic Bread and a decadent Rich Dark Chocolate Mousse for dessert. This combination makes for a satisfying weekend dinner that’s both flavorful and nutritious.
Enjoy this creamy, delicious, and protein-packed dish thatโs guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike! Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Pasta will be the star of the meal.
