Creamy Chicken and Pesto Pasta
with asparagus / peas
Bring on spring with this creamy pasta that is full of green spring vegetables and pesto for that fresh basil flavor.
Ingredients
- Pasta, any fun shape - 8 oz
- Bacon - 4 strips, chopped
- Asparagus - 1 bunch, trimmed and cut into 1” / 2.5 cm lengths
- Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless - 1 lb, sliced into thin strips
- Peas, frozen - 1 1/2 cups
- Butter - 1 Tbsp
- Flour - 1 Tbsp
- Stock, any type - 3/4 cup
- Heavy cream - 1/4 cup
- Pesto, store-bought or homemade - 1/3 cup
Nutrition Facts
Prep
- Pasta - Cook pasta according to package directions. If making ahead, toss it with some oil to help prevent sticking. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
- Bacon / Asparagus - Prep as directed. Store separately. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
- Chicken - Slice chicken into thin strips. Tenderize with a fork and season with some salt and pepper. (Can be done 1 day ahead)
- Peas - Defrost in the microwave.
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Make
- Heat a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and fry, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Drain all but 1 Tbsp / 15 mL of bacon grease out of the pan. Return pan to medium heat.
- To heated pan add chicken and saute until just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer chicken to plate with the bacon.
- To heated pan, add butter and asparagus. Saute for 2 minutes to start asparagus cooking.
- Pour flour over asparagus and stir until no dry spots remain. Pour stock into pan while whisking. Bring stock to a simmer and simmer until stock reduces and thickens slightly, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and simmer for 1 minute more.
- Add pasta to the pan and stir everything to combine.
- Remove pasta from heat and stir in pesto, peas, chicken, and crispy bacon.
- Serve pasta with some black pepper on top. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Reviews
Ratings
40 reviews
Love how easy it is and that it's hearty but still full of veggies. Definitely double the bacon.
0 HelpfulFrozen vegetables and Costco pesto make this dish come together fast and easy on a busy weeknight!
0 HelpfulIt was delish! I omitted the beans for less calories and less bloating I used asparagus and potatoes with butter and Italian herbs and veggie stock. I combined a bit of homemade. pesto with store bought pesto. A fresh garden salad was the side dish of our choice.
0 HelpfulMade some changes. Didn’t use bacon, used regular milk, peas instead of asparagus, and used chicken thighs because it is what i had on hand. Turned out delicious!! Would make again! Really quick and easy
0 Helpful