Description
This Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound or 450g)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Rest and slice.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté cherry tomatoes. Add cooked pasta, basil pesto, and reserved pasta water. Toss to combine.
- Assemble: Place sliced chicken on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan and garnish with basil leaves.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- For homemade pesto, blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil.
- Customize with veggies like spinach or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
