Chicken Pesto Alfredo Recipe Easy and Delicious Dinner Idea

Welcome to a delightful culinary journey where classic Italian flavors meet creamy indulgence in this Chicken Pesto Alfredo recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious Alfredo sauce, perfectly complemented by the fresh, herbaceous punch of vibrant basil pesto.

This dish is a harmonious blend of rich, cheesy goodness and bright, aromatic herbs that make every bite unforgettable.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests on a weeknight or simply craving a comforting yet sophisticated meal, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to be paired with your favorite pasta or even zoodles for a lighter option.

Let’s dive into this fantastic recipe that promises both ease and elegance in one delicious plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Pesto Alfredo recipe stands out because it combines the creamy texture of traditional Alfredo sauce with the fresh, zesty notes of pesto, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Rich and Creamy: The Alfredo sauce is silky and indulgent, made from scratch with real cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese.

Herbaceous Freshness: The pesto adds a vibrant green color and a burst of basil, garlic, and pine nut flavor that cuts through the richness.

Protein-Packed: Tender chicken breast adds satisfying substance, making this dish a complete meal.

Easy to Customize: Want it lighter? Use half-and-half or milk instead of cream.

Prefer more veggies? Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 ounces fettuccine or your pasta of choice
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Pine nuts, toasted, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater for Parmesan cheese
• Colander for draining pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add cream and cheese: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine pesto and chicken: Stir in the basil pesto until fully incorporated, giving the sauce a beautiful green tint and fresh flavor.
6. Mix pasta and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve: Plate the Chicken Pesto Alfredo and garnish with fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips & Variations

Add veggies like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but expect a slightly less creamy texture.

Make your own pesto at home with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil for a fresher taste.

Use grilled or roasted chicken instead of pan-fried for a smoky flavor dimension.

Gluten-free option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or vegetable-based pasta like zucchini noodles.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Pesto Alfredo pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Garlic bread or a warm baguette make perfect companions to mop up the luscious sauce.

To elevate your dinner, serve with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

For more delicious pasta ideas, check out our Chard Pasta Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Meal Ideas or explore other comforting meals like Baked Chicken and Veggies Recipe Copper Pan Delight.

Conclusion

This Chicken Pesto Alfredo recipe is a perfect blend of creamy comfort and fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough to impress family and friends.

The combination of tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and aromatic pesto makes every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish guarantees satisfaction and warmth at the table.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations and tips to make it your own. With a handful of quality ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

For more inspiring recipes like this, visit our collection of easy and delicious dishes that bring joy and flavor to your kitchen.

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