Easy Pesto Chicken Penne
Creamy, savory, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Easy Pesto Chicken Penne is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution! Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious basil pesto sauce with juicy, golden-browned chicken pieces and sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes, this dish is as vibrant as it is delicious. The recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or quick midweek meals. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a rich, cheesy finish, while fresh basil leaves lend an optional pop of herbaceous flavor. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and an irresistible combination of textures and tastes, this one-skillet pasta dish is sure to become a household favorite. Perfect for anyone craving a quick and easy pesto chicken pasta recipe!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 0.5 cup basil pesto
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.
Step 6
Lower the heat and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the basil pesto and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 7
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Toss to combine.
Step 8
Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted.
Step 9
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1019.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2721.5 |
| Total Fat 105.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 21.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 344.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3741.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 267.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 14.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 9.7g | |
| Protein 173.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 3.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 725.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 18.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2546.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories