Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a vibrant pesto sauce, creating a meal that’s both comforting and impressive. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With its fresh flavors and colorful presentation, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 12 oz spaghetti or penne pasta
- 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Lower the heat and stir in the pesto sauce, allowing it to warm through for a minute.
- Gently fold in the cooked pasta until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider swapping chicken for shrimp or adding seasonal vegetables like zucchini. Leftover Chicken Pesto Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.