EASY TO COOK

🍝 Pesto Pasta with Chicken 🐔🌿

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Pesto Pasta with Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh pesto sauce, and pasta into a satisfying meal. The vibrant basil pesto, succulent chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta make this a comforting dinner that everyone will love.

📋 Ingredients:

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite) 🍝
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 🐔
  • Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
  • 1 cup pesto sauce 🌿
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
  • 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved from boiling the pasta) 💧
  • Optional: Cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish 🌿

📝 Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat the oil:
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  1. Cook the chicken:
  • Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  1. Sauté the garlic:
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Combine:

  1. Add the pasta:
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the pesto sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
  1. Add chicken and Parmesan:
  • Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Pour in the reserved pasta water to help blend the sauce and create a creamy texture. Stir until everything is well combined.
  1. Add extras:
  • If using, add halved cherry tomatoes to the pasta for a pop of color and flavor.

4. Serve:

  1. Plate the dish:
  • Transfer the pesto pasta with chicken to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

🍽️ Tips:

  • Pesto: Use store-bought pesto for convenience, or make your own fresh basil pesto for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Additions: For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.

⏱️ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
🔥 Calories: Approximately 500-550 kcal per serving

This Pesto Pasta with Chicken is a simple yet satisfying meal that brings together the flavors of fresh basil pesto, tender chicken, and pasta. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual lunch. Enjoy! 🍝🐔🌿