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:
- 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:
- Heat the oil:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- 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.
- Sauté the garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Combine:
- Add the pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the pesto sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- 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.
- Add extras:
- If using, add halved cherry tomatoes to the pasta for a pop of color and flavor.
4. Serve:
- 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! 🍝🐔🌿