Savory Chicken Pesto Pasta Delight

Ingredients

- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup prepared pesto
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 12 oz of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips.

3. Make the Sauce:
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, half and half, and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-6 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add prepared pesto and mix well. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

5. Serve:
- Plate the pasta, topping with sliced chicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- PT10M
10 minutes

- PT25M
25 minutes

Total Time

- PT35M
35 minutes

Type of Dish

Dinner

Keywords

Chicken Pasta, Pesto Pasta, Spaghetti Recipes, Pan-Fried Chicken, Pasta Dinner, Basil Chicken, Creamy Sauce, Parmesan Cheese, Easy Gourmet, Dinner Ideas

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

2,160 calories for the entire dish

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