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Pesto Infused Olive Oil Blend 250ml bottle basil garlic pesto infused olive oil
Garden Infuzions

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Featuring Pesto Olive Oil Blend

Tender chicken, al dente pasta, garlic, Parmesan, and bright basil come together in a creamy pesto pasta that feels cozy, fresh, and easy to serve any night of the week.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Pesto Infused Olive Oil Blend
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water as needed

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling the pasta
  • 1 Large skillet Big enough to hold the sauce, chicken, and pasta
  • 1 Wooden spoon For stirring and tossing
  • 1 Colander For draining the pasta

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat the Pesto Infused Olive Oil Blend and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Lower the heat to medium and add the garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to loosen any browned bits from the pan.
  7. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
  8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, basil, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Cook just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly.
  9. Return the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  10. Taste and adjust with a little more salt or black pepper if needed, then serve warm.

Notes

The pesto olive oil blend adds the basil-forward flavor layer, so keep the seasoning balanced and let the sauce stay creamy rather than overly thick. If the pasta sits a few minutes before serving, loosen it with a small splash of warm broth or pasta water.

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