Creamy Chicken and Basil Pesto Penne
Tender bites of chicken breast and penne pasta tossed in a rich basil pesto and cream sauce with tangy sun-dried tomatoes. A classic Italian-inspired comfort dish that comes together easily for four.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Makes
4 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Laura + Lila
Laura created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Large pot
Time saver
Prep the vegetables and measure pantry ingredients earlier in the day to shorten cook time.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 8 steps complete
Next: Bring a large pot of salted water…
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water…
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add penne pasta to the boiling water…
Add penne pasta to the boiling water and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Look for: al dente, then drain and set aside
Tap card to mark done - 03
Heat olive oil in a large skillet…
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Add diced chicken breast to the hot…
Add diced chicken breast to the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
Look for: browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C)
Tap card to mark done - 05
Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in…
Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream, basil pesto, grated cheddar cheese, and sliced sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet.
Tap card to mark done - 06
Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes…
Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
Look for: the cheese is completely melted and the sauce turns smooth and creamy
Tap card to mark done - 07
Add the cooked penne pasta to the…
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy pesto chicken sauce, tossing gently for 1 to 2 minutes until every piece of pasta is well coated and heated through.
Look for: every piece of pasta is well coated and heated through
Tap card to mark done - 08
Divide into four bowls
Divide into four bowls, top with grated parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately. Store remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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