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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Mozzarella

Close-up of a white bowl filled with Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Mozzarella, featuring penne pasta and grilled chicken.
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Make a rich and satisfying pasta dish featuring pan-seared chicken tossed in a creamy pesto sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn or sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and pesto. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce.
  8. Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe baking dish if desired, or keep it in the skillet if it is oven-safe. Top evenly with the torn mozzarella pieces.
  9. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 Celsius) for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use store-bought or homemade pesto for this recipe.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • Serve this dish with a simple green salad or toasted garlic bread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-pasta-with-mozzarella/