====== Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta ======

Chicken Pesto Pasta has tender pasta and chicken coated in a rich and creamy pesto sauce. It's an easy, flavorful meal that's ready in 30 minutes!

Prep Time 10 mins | Cook Time 20 mins | Total Time 30 mins | Servings: 4 servings

===== Ingredients =====
  * ½ pound penne pasta about 2 1/2 cups dry (half of a one pound box)
  * 1 tablespoon olive oil
  * 2 garlic cloves minced
  * 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
  * 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized chunks
  * Salt and pepper to taste
  * 2 tablespoons butter
  * 3 tablespoons flour
  * 1 cup chicken broth
  * 1 cup half and half or all milk/cream
  * ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
  * 1 cup freshly shredded Mozzarella
  * ½ cup fresh basil pesto or more, to taste
  * Fresh basil for garnish, if desired

===== Instructions =====
  - Boil pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  - Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic, italian seasoning and diced chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper and cook until chicken is no longer pink, stirring chicken a couple of times to brown on all sides. Transfer chicken to a plate and discard any liquid in the skillet.
  - Return skillet to the stove over medium heat and melt butter. Whisk in the flour and cook until golden, about 3 minutes.
  - Whisk in chicken broth and half & half and bring to a boil. If it begins to boil too rapidly, turn the heat down a little. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sauce has reduced and thickened.
  - Remove from heat and stir in pesto and cheeses. Add the pasta and chicken and stir to coat. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and fresh cracked black pepper.

===== Notes =====

  * Optional add-ins: fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, yellow squash, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes.
  * The mozzarella can seize up if you don't get it blended in right away. Mix quickly. You could also try adding half of the mozzarella at a time, stirring well to blend it in each time. 

https://www.yellowblissroad.com/creamy-chicken-pesto-pasta/