I'm a big pasta fan. I'm a chicken fan as well. However, I am not one to eat them together. Having said this, how yummy does the following recipe sound?

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

photo property of www.projectmealplan.com 

Ingredients

1 lb cubed chicken breast
1 tbs olive oil

1 tbs butter
2 tbs minced garlic
½ pound penne pasta (also works with with rotini, elbow macaroni)
2 cups chicken broth
⅓ cup basil pesto (store bought or make your own)
6 tbs cubed cream cheese
1 cup milk
¼ cup parmesan cheese

¼ cup chopped scallions

photo property of www.letsdishrecipes.com

Directions

In a hot deep pan add the oil, turn down to low heaty. Once the oil is hot add the chicken and cook it though, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add butter, stir, and let cook another 2 minutes. 

Add minced garlic to the chicken and cooking continue on medium heat, stirring for 30 seconds before removing from heat.

Add  in chicken broth, and scrape the bits off the bottom of the pan. Add pasta.

Bring to a full boil, then turn down to simmer, cover with a lid and let simmer for about 12 - 14 minutes,  checking until the pasta is tender. Stir several times during this process.

If the broth reduces down too low during simmering, add up to 1 cup more chicken broth (or water) in to help the pasta cool. If using water, add a ½ teaspoon salt and ½ butter to the pot to ensure the flavor isn't made bland by the water addition.

Once the pasta is tender drain any excess broth then add in the pesto, cream cheese, and milk. Simmer while stirring to melt the cream cheese down. Once combined, add in the parmesan cheese and stir to melt down.

Take of heat. Add and stir in green onions just before plating. 

Fill your bowls and garnish with fresh basil and/or a few chopped scallions.

photo property of www.www.kitchenathoskins.com

What do you think? 

Will this recipe make it onto your dinner table?

As always, please leave a comment and
let me know what you think!

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