Penne with Chicken and Pesto

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible Penne with Chicken and Pesto recipe, a creamy, flavorful dish that delivers restaurant-quality results in just 35 minutes. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a rich pesto-cream sauce, complemented by succulent garlic-infused chicken and bursts of sweetness from cherry tomatoes. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fragrant basil takes this meal to the next level of indulgence. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is a beautifully simple way to bring the robust flavors of Italian-inspired cuisine to your table. From its quick preparation to its vibrant ingredient combination, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 pieces chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 cup pesto sauce
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 quarts water

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a generous pinch of salt, then cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

Stir in the pesto sauce and heavy cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.

Step 6

Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the pesto-cream sauce.

Step 7

Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the tomatoes are slightly softened.

Step 8

Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.

Step 9

Serve immediately, optionally with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4937.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3296.8

Total Fat 168.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 48.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 15.6g
Cholesterol 446.5mg	0%
Sodium 4381.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 265.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 4.9g
Protein 170.3g	0%

Vitamin D 5.1IU	0%
Calcium 780.0mg	0%
Iron 18.2mg	0%
Potassium 1337.6mg	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: 46.6%

Protein: 20.9%

Carbs: 32.5%