How to Make a Delicious Chicken Alfredo with Homemade Pesto

Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that has become a favorite in many households for its creamy sauce and tender chicken. This recipe combines the flavors of Parmesan cheese, garlic, cream, and fresh pasta to create a rich and comforting meal. The keyword used here will be "homemade pesto." Pesto adds a fresh and vibrant twist to this traditional dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

To start making your Chicken Alfredo with homemade pesto, you will need the above ingredients. Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Preparation Steps

1. Cooking Pasta: Boil a large pot of water and add salt. When the water boils, toss in your chosen pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent the strands from sticking together. Once the pasta is done but still slightly firm (al dente), drain it well using a colander.
2. Cooking Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil if needed and sauté the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side. Ensure that they are cooked through by checking their internal temperature with a thermometer which should reach at least 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before slicing.
3. Making Pesto Sauce: If you choose to make your own pesto, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth but still retains some texture for authenticity.
4. Making Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet used to cook chicken, melt 2 tablespoons butter over low heat. Then pour in the heavy cream gradually while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. After the mixture thickens slightly, add the homemade or store-bought pesto and stir until everything is well incorporated.
5. Mix Everything Together: Add your cooked chicken and pasta into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss everything together ensuring that each strand of pasta gets coated evenly in the flavorful sauce. Adjust seasoning by adding salt, pepper, or more pesto if preferred.

Serving Suggestions & Tips

Once your Chicken Alfredo is ready, serve it immediately while hot. You can garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal. If desired, you may also accompany this dish with garlic bread or a side salad to complement the richness of the meal.

Cooking Time & Servings

This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes including cooking time and preparation. It serves four people generously depending on appetite sizes.

1. Ensure all raw ingredients are fresh before starting to avoid any potential issues during the dish’s creation.
2. For best results, use a good quality store-bought or homemade pesto since it significantly impacts the overall taste of your Alfredo sauce.
3. To achieve optimal texture and flavor in your Alfredo sauce, don’t rush adding cream; instead, gradually incorporate it until you reach desired consistency.

Chicken Alfredo with Homemade Pesto is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s rich in protein from the chicken and contains beneficial fats from both the pesto and cream. Serve this meal alongside a fresh green salad for an equally satisfying side dish that complements the heartiness of your main course.

Conclusion

Chef's Tip: Don't forget to store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it can last up to two weeks. It’s perfect for adding flavor to other pasta dishes or even stirring into scrambled eggs!