☀️ Lunch👦 3-4 yearsitalian-inspiredhigh-proteinquickcreamy

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken

Name: Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup small pasta (farfalle or rotini); 1 small chicken breast, diced; 2 tablespoons basil pesto (mild, store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons cream cheese; 2 tablespoons grated parmesan; 1/4 cup pasta cooking water; 1 teaspoon olive oil; Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional garnish)

Al dente pasta tossed in a mild, creamy pesto sauce with tender chicken pieces. An elegant Italian-inspired dish that kids actually love.

Make a version like this

20 minutes2 servingsRegular family foods

Ingredients(8)

1 cup small pasta (farfalle or rotini)
1 small chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons basil pesto (mild, store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons cream cheese
2 tablespoons grated parmesan
1/4 cup pasta cooking water
1 teaspoon olive oil
Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional garnish)

Instructions(8 steps)

1
Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3
Cook diced chicken for 6-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
4
In the same pan over low heat, add pesto and cream cheese.
5
Stir until cream cheese melts and combines with pesto.
6
Add drained pasta and chicken to the pan.
7
Toss everything together, adding pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
8
Sprinkle with parmesan and top with cherry tomatoes if desired.

Nutritional Highlights

-Basil in pesto provides antioxidants
-Chicken adds lean protein
-Cheese offers calcium
-Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats

Age Appropriateness

Ideal for 3-4 year olds ready for herb-forward flavors. The cream cheese mellows the pesto beautifully.

Introduction Tip

If your child is hesitant about the green color, mix the pesto very thoroughly so it is not visible. Gradually use more pesto as they adjust.

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Instructions(8 steps)

Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

Cook diced chicken for 6-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

In the same pan over low heat, add pesto and cream cheese.

Stir until cream cheese melts and combines with pesto.

Add drained pasta and chicken to the pan.

Toss everything together, adding pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.

Sprinkle with parmesan and top with cherry tomatoes if desired.