pesto chicken pasta

The aroma wafting from the kitchen is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a luscious green pesto sauce tangled with perfectly cooked pasta – it’s practically a love story on a plate. This pesto chicken pasta is not just food; it’s a hug from your grandma wrapped in carbs and basil.

you’ve had a long day at work, and all you want is something comforting but also effortless to prepare. Enter our hero of the evening – this glorious pesto chicken pasta that practically makes itself while you relax with your favorite show. Your taste buds are tingling in anticipation!

I once made this recipe for my friends during game night, and they were convinced I had taken a culinary class in Italy! Little did they know that my secret weapon was simply following this easy recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work beautifully; adjust based on how hungry your crowd is.
• Pasta of Your Choice: I love using penne or fusilli for their perfect ability to hold onto the sauce.
• Fresh Basil Pesto: Store-bought works fine, but homemade adds an irresistible flavor punch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst with sweetness; choose firm ones for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh if you can; it elevates the dish from good to gourmet.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle helps keep everything moist and enhances those lovely flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient’s natural taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet.

Add Cherry Tomatoes: After about 6-7 minutes on each side (or until golden), toss in halved cherry tomatoes and continue cooking until they soften and release their juices.

Mingle with Pesto: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Return everything to the skillet and stir in the fresh basil pesto until well combined.

Toss in Pasta: Add your drained pasta into the skillet. Mix everything together gently over low heat for about 2-3 minutes so that every strand is coated in that dreamy green sauce.

Serve & Garnish: Plate up generously! Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each serving along with extra basil leaves if desired for added flair.

Now stand back for applause; you’ve just created culinary magic!

This delightful pesto chicken pasta will have everyone asking for seconds – or even thirds if you’re feeling generous! So gather your loved ones around the table because nothing says “I love you” quite like sharing delicious food together. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken in a hot pan, then cook the pasta while preparing the pesto sauce to maximize efficiency and flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra zing. Experimenting keeps your taste buds excited!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain creaminess.

Sharing this dish with friends brought back memories of laughter and compliments—especially when they asked for my secret ingredient. It turns out, love is the best spice after all!

FAQ

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto saves time but try making it fresh at least once.

What type of pasta works best?

Any pasta shape works, but penne or fusilli hold the sauce nicely.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Substitute nutritional yeast for cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

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Pesto Chicken Pasta

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Pesto chicken pasta is a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, featuring tender chicken and vibrant basil pesto tossed with your favorite pasta for a delightful dinner experience.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
• 1 cup fresh basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden.
3. Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, return to the skillet, and stir in basil pesto until well combined.
5. Gently toss in the cooked pasta and mix over low heat for 2-3 minutes to coat everything in the sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil if desired.

Notes

• For added flavor, use homemade basil pesto.
• Substitute grilled shrimp or add sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
•  Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 85mg