Easy and Delicious Chicken Pesto Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Are you in the mood for a delicious pasta dish but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen? Look no further than this easy and delicious Chicken Pesto Alfredo Pasta recipe. With the perfect combination of juicy chicken, fragrant pesto, and creamy Alfredo sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients Needed To Make Chicken Pesto Alfredo Pasta:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried tarragon
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 15oz jar of Alfredo sauce
• Homemade Pesto (link to recipe)
• 1 lb of penne pasta

Instructions For Chicken Pesto Alfredo Pasta:

1. Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to make them thinner and more even. Season both sides with salt, tarragon, and black pepper.
2. Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes.
3. Cook the penne pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and add it back to the pot.
4. Add the Alfredo sauce and homemade pesto to the pot with the pasta. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the cubed chicken to the pot with the pasta and sauce. Stir once more to distribute everything evenly.
6. Serve the Chicken Pesto Alfredo Pasta hot and garnish with fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or basil, if desired.

What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo Pasta:

Here are some side dishes that would pair well with Chicken Pesto Alfredo Pasta:

1. Garlic bread: A side of garlic bread would be perfect to soak up the creamy sauce from the pasta.
2. Caesar salad: A light and refreshing Caesar salad would complement the rich and savory flavors of the pasta.
3. Grilled vegetables: Grilled asparagus, zucchini, or eggplant would add some color and nutrients to the meal.
4. Caprese salad: A simple Caprese salad made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves would provide a refreshing and light side dish.
5. Bruschetta: A side of fresh tomato bruschetta would complement the Italian flavors of the pasta and add some crunch.
6. Roasted potatoes: Roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs such as rosemary or thyme would make a perfect side dish to the pasta.

Choose a side dish that complements the flavors and textures of the Chicken Pesto Alfredo Pasta to create a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

Variations Chicken Pesto Alfredo Pasta:

Here are some variations you can try with the Chicken Pesto Alfredo Pasta recipe:

1. Swap the chicken: Use shrimp or sliced sausage instead of chicken for a different protein.
2. Change the pasta: Substitute penne with your favorite pasta shape such as fettuccine or linguine for a different texture.
3. Add veggies: Roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli can add more flavor and nutrition to the dish.
4. Spicy kick: Add some red pepper flakes or chili powder to the chicken or Alfredo sauce for some heat.
5. Vegan version: Use vegan chicken substitute, vegan Alfredo sauce, and vegan pesto to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
6. Different herbs: Swap the tarragon for other herbs such as rosemary or thyme for different flavor profiles.
7. Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and check that the Alfredo sauce and pesto are also gluten-free.

Get creative and experiment with your favorite ingredients to make this recipe your own.

FAQ’s:

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken Pesto Alfredo Pasta:

Q: Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making my own?

A: Yes, you can use store-bought pesto to save time. Just make sure to choose a good quality pesto that complements the flavors of the pasta.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce in a pan over medium heat and add it to the pasta before serving.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

A: Yes, you can use a vegetarian or vegan chicken substitute, vegan Alfredo sauce, and vegan pesto to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly.

Q: Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?

A: Yes, you can add any vegetables you like to this recipe such as roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Other Recipes to Try:

• 5-Minute Fresh Basil Pesto
• Best Cajun Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce
• Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings (Oven Baked)

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