Chicken Pesto and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Chicken Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, a heavenly blend of tender, golden-seared chicken, al dente penne, and a creamy, basil pesto-infused sauce. Bursting with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like tangy sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, this dish combines richness and freshness in every bite. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, it's a quick, 35-minute recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike. Serve it straight from the skillet for ultimate comfort food vibes, and pair it with crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. This pasta recipe is your go-to for easy, flavorful dining.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 4 tablespoons basil pesto
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and heated through.

Step 6

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the sauce.

Step 7

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out slightly.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce.

Step 9

Gently fold in the sliced chicken breast and warm it through, about 2 minutes.

Step 10

Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1155.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3452.4

Total Fat 167.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 623.2mg	0%
Sodium 3949.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 273.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.4g	0%
Total Sugars 13.3g
Protein 192.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 740.1mg	0%
Iron 19.1mg	0%
Potassium 1986.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.7%

Protein: 22.9%

Carbs: 32.4%