Time saving, yet indulgent, this Chicken Pesto Pasta uses cooked, shredded chicken to turn this into an easy weeknight meal. Balanced and satisfying, this will become your new go-to comfort food.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt generously, then add the pasta. Cook until al dente. Before draining, save a mug full of the pasta water. Drain, and reserve the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Cook for a minute or two, stirring the whole time so that the garlic doesn’t burn.
Turn the heat back up to medium and slowly whisk in the cream. Cook the mixture until the cream has slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and add the parmesan cheese. Whisk until the cheese has melted, then stir in the Italian seasoning and the pesto.
Add the pasta to the sauce, along with the shredded chicken. Stir to combine. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Top with crushed red pepper before serving, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.