Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, draped in a luxurious white wine and pesto sauce, with tender, golden-brown chicken that practically melts in your mouth. This isn't just another pasta dish—it's a gourmet experience that transforms your kitchen into a rustic Italian trattoria in just 30 minutes. Whether you're looking to impress a date, treat your family to a restaurant-quality meal, or simply indulge in a quick yet sophisticated dinner, this Chicken Pasta Pesto White Wine Sauce recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the seasoned chicken slices to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with no pink in the center.
- Pour the white wine into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Reduce the skillet heat to low and stir in the pesto sauce, creating a creamy sauce with the chicken and wine reduction.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat evenly with the pesto white wine sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside.
- Don't overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) without becoming dry.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every pasta strand.
- Use a high-quality pesto and white wine. Since these are key flavor components, their quality will dramatically impact the final dish.
- Let the white wine reduce properly to concentrate its flavor and cook off the alcohol, which enhances the overall taste profile.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream when stirring in the pesto for an even more luxurious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 496kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 49mg
