Description

Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful weeknight dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant basil pesto for a gourmet experience at home. This easy-to-make recipe is not only packed with flavor but also allows for customization with seasonal veggies or alternative proteins. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner, this meal promises comfort with every forkful.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
1 cup fresh basil pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Prep your ingredients: Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and rinse cherry tomatoes.
Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente; drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
Sauté the chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
Add tomatoes and pesto: Stir in cherry tomatoes until softened (2-3 minutes), then mix in the basil pesto.
Combine everything: Add drained pasta to the skillet; if needed, add reserved pasta water for creaminess.
Serve: Plate warm and top generously with Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
Calories: 540
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 62g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added flavor, use homemade pesto whenever possible. Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add spinach for extra nutrients. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.