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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Creamy pesto chicken pasta made with juicy seasoned chicken breasts, rich pesto cream sauce, melted mozzarella, and gluten-free pasta. Cozy comfort food packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoon chicken bouillon
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
Pasta & Sauce
  • 9 oz gluten-free tagliatelle or pasta of choice
  • 1 onion diced
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoon pesto
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnish
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil
  • Chili flakes

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Tongs
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

Season the chicken
  1. In a bowl, season the chicken breasts with olive oil, butter, chicken bouillon, garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and lime juice.
  2. Let marinate for 10–30 minutes.
Cook the chicken
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest.
Cook the aromatics
  1. In the same pan, add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build the sauce
  1. Add a pinch of paprika and remaining seasonings to the pan. Stir briefly, then pour in the heavy cream.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add pesto and cheese
  4. Stir in the pesto and mozzarella cheese until smooth and creamy.
Cook the pasta
  1. Meanwhile, cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add directly into the sauce.
  2. Toss until fully coated and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Finish and serve
  1. Slice the rested chicken and place on top of the pasta.
  2. Top with Parmesan, fresh basil, or extra chili flakes if desired.

Notes

Freshly grated Parmesan works great for topping.
Reserve a little pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce.
You can substitute regular pasta if not gluten-free.
Fresh lime juice brightens up the creamy sauce and chicken.
Add extra chili flakes for more heat.