Pasta with Pesto and Chicken
Savor the fresh and vibrant flavors of Pasta with Pesto and Chicken, a hearty yet refreshing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. This recipe combines tender bite-sized pieces of golden, pan-seared chicken with al dente penne pasta, all tossed in a homemade basil pesto sauce bursting with zest from fresh basil leaves, creamy Parmesan cheese, nutty pine nuts, and a hint of lemon. The rich, buttery chicken perfectly complements the smooth, silky pesto, creating an irresistible harmony of textures and tastes. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is not only quick and easy to make but also effortlessly customizable—add extra Parmesan for a cheesy finish or adjust the lemon juice for a citrusy kick. Serve this vibrant pasta creation warm and watch as it becomes a family favorite. Perfect pasta recipe for dinner, pesto lovers, and healthy comfort food enthusiasts!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 0.25 cup extra parmesan cheese for serving
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4
To make the pesto, in a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 5
In the skillet used for the chicken, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, and chicken. Toss well to ensure the pasta is coated with the pesto. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
Step 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 7
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (890.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3504.0 |
| Total Fat 209.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 52.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 12.2g | |
| Cholesterol 327.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3885.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 262.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.8g | |
| Protein 149.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 6.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1201.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 17.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1665.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories