Creamy Pesto Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni

Introduction

Pasta nights just got a whole lot more exciting with this decadent dish. Combining pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken and cheese transforms a basic pasta into a restaurant-worthy entree. The pesto provides rich herbal flavor, sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness, chicken lends protein and cream binds it all together into an utterly addictive sauce. Served over rigatoni, the nooks and crannies catch all that flavorful sauce with each bite. Fast and easy to make, this pasta is ideal for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests. One bite will have you hooked on this new favorite recipe.

Pesto Sauce Benefits

Pesto originated in Italy, traditionally made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and Parmesan. The star ingredient of pesto is basil, which boasts a variety of health perks:

• Rich in antioxidants to fight free radical damage
• Anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation
• May boost brain function and memory
• High in vitamin K for healthy bones

The healthy fats in pesto from olive oil and nuts help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in the basil and tomatoes. Pesto adds a nutrient boost along with its signature flavor.

Nutrition Facts

1/4 cup pesto contains:

• 160 calories
• 16g fat
• 2g protein
• 1g carbs
• 12% DV vitamin K
• 4% DV iron

Ingredients

This amazing pasta dish comes together with minimal ingredients:

• Rigatoni pasta
• Chicken breasts
• Basil pesto
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Seasonings like salt, pepper and Italian seasoning

Directions

Cook the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Saute in olive oil over medium-high heat until cooked through and browned. Set aside to cool before dicing into bite-size pieces.

Saute the Garlic

In the same pan, cook minced garlic briefly in olive oil until fragrant. Be careful not to burn.

Simmer the Sauce

Add pesto, sun-dried tomatoes and cream to the pan. Let simmer 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly.

Toss with Pasta

Add cooked rigatoni and diced chicken to the sauce. Toss everything to coat pasta fully.

Finish with Cheese

Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted through.

Garnish and Serve

Portion into bowls and garnish with basil leaves if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Extra Tips

• Boil pasta to al dente don't overcook.
• Use jarred pesto to save time.
• Sun-dried tomatoes pack the most flavor when oil-packed rather than dried.
• Stir sauce frequently to prevent sticking.
• Add freshly cracked black pepper for extra flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

Round out the meal with:

• Caesar salad
• Garlic bread
• Sautéed zucchini
• Wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

Leftover Storage

Cover and refrigerate leftover pasta up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue improving as it sits!

For longer term, freeze individual portions. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop until hot throughout.

Conclusion

This creamy pesto chicken and sun-dried tomato rigatoni is a restaurant-worthy pasta made simple for weeknights. Bursting with flavor from the pesto, tomatoes and cheese, it's an easy dinner guaranteed to impress. The combination of textures and colors makes it visually stunning as well. For your next Italian- inspired meal, give this decadent rigatoni recipe a try.

FAQs

What pasta shape works best?

Rigatoni or other short tube pastas work great to catch the sauce. Avoid pastas like spaghetti that the sauce could slide off of.

How long should you cook the chicken?

Cook chicken over medium-high heat about 5-7 minutes per side until browned on the outside and 165°F internally.

Can you freeze this pasta dish?

Yes! Allow to cool fully then freeze individual portions for grabbing easy meals.

What kind of pesto works best?

Opt for a high-quality pesto with lots of fresh basil flavor. Sun-dried tomato pesto is also delicious.

Can you make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream with coconut milk or vegetable broth and use dairy-free cheese.