Chicken Pesto Pasta
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible Chicken Pesto Pasta—a perfect harmony of juicy, pan-seared chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant basil pesto. In just under 40 minutes, this one-pot wonder comes together with melt-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and fragrant fresh basil for a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor. The combination of tender pasta coated in creamy pesto sauce and the savoriness of garlic-sautéed chicken guarantees a meal that’s as comforting as it is gourmet. Ideal for busy nights, this recipe is easy to make, delightfully customizable, and sure to become a family favorite. Serve it alongside a crisp side salad or warm bread for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
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Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 12 ounces Pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup Basil pesto
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Directions
Step 1
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Step 3
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 4
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 6
Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or cubes.
Step 7
Return the drained pasta to the pot, add the pesto, and a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta. Stir well to combine.
Step 8
Add the chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta. Toss everything together gently.
Step 9
If the pasta looks dry, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 10
Serve the pasta in bowls, garnishing each serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Step 11
Enjoy your delicious chicken pesto pasta!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1262.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2772.4 |
| Total Fat 173.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 43.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 433.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5542.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 115.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 8.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 18.2g | |
| Protein 187.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 3.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1912.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2671.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories