I sadly do not have a green thumb… yet. However, basil is one of the few plants I have been able to keep alive by myself. I have always loved to keep a fresh basil plant near my kitchen, so I can use it in many recipes. One of my favorite recipes is pesto, and this pasta is one recipe I can include my homemade pesto in.
What kind of Pesto is Best for This?
Any type of pesto is amazing in this recipe. My favorite one to use is my cashew pesto. I like this because the cashews add creaminess, and I sometimes even use less whipping cream because of it. Any homemade pesto is going to add a fresh taste to this pasta. However, when time is short or for a cheaper option, store-bought is delicious too! I like to use Trader Joe’s pesto when I am using store-bought, but any will work!
How to Add More Veggies
My favorite vegetable to add with pesto is cherry tomatoes. Another yummy option is sautéing some mushrooms to add. Artichokes would also be a great addition. Another way to add a vegetable without it being too noticeable would be to blend in some spinach, if you are making homemade pesto.
Simple Creamy Pesto Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
Ingredients
- 10 oz pasta
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 lemon of lemon juice
- 3/4 cup whipping cream
- 4 1/2 tbsp pesto (You can use my cashew pesto for extra creaminess)
- 2 chicken breasts
- 6 cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings for chicken:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- pinch of pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp corn starch
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of water and salt to a boil
2. While waiting for the water to boil, flatten the chicken breast with a mallet and slice off excess fat to your liking. Then cut the chicken breast into halves.
3. Mix the seasonings for the chicken. Rub chicken breast with olive oil on both sides, then rub the seasoning on both sides.
4. Air fry chicken breast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes. The flip and cook for another 7 minutes.
6. Mince garlic and slice cherry tomatoes in half
7. Once water boils, cook pasta according to instructions on the box. Then, in another large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium heat.
8. In the pan with olive oil, add garlic and cook for one minute. Then add pesto, lemon juice, and whipping cream. Cook while stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
9. Strain pasta and cut chicken into slices. Mix pasta with sauce. Assemble dishes by plating the pasta with chicken and tomatoes on top. Enjoy!