Pesto Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/4 cup of pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make Pesto Chicken Alfredo Pasta:

1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
4. In the same skillet, add the heavy cream and pesto sauce. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Once the sauce is simmering, add the cooked fettuccine pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and chicken mixture. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
8. Serve the Pesto Chicken Alfredo Pasta hot, and enjoy!

Tips for Making Pesto Chicken Alfredo Pasta:

• You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, although the sauce won’t be as rich.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese according to your taste preferences.
• To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts from scratch.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.
• For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and add more vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.