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Creamy Chicken Red Pesto Pasta for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This Creamy Chicken Red Pesto Pasta is a quick and delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a delicious creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or any cooking oil
  • 60 grams Mascarpone can substitute with cream cheese
  • 60 grams Red Pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 10 grams Belazu Rose Harissa Paste can be replaced with sriracha or omitted
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
For the Chicken and Veggies
  • 500 grams Chicken Breast can substitute with turkey or tofu
  • 2 tablespoons Spring Onion for garnish
  • 5 pieces Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1 piece Red Pepper sliced
  • 1 handful Spinach can substitute with kale or arugula
For the Pasta
  • 200 grams Casareccia Pasta or any pasta shape
  • 50 grams Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the casareccia pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  2. Marinate the chicken breast evenly with rose harissa paste and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
  4. Add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red pepper to the skillet and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in mascarpone and red pesto, seasoning with salt and pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  6. Combine the drained pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat. Add spinach and allow it to wilt.
  7. Serve the pasta on plates topped with sliced spring onion and grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.