Pesto Chicken and Pasta
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Pesto Chicken and Pasta, a quick and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts are seared to perfection and paired with al dente penne pasta, all tossed in a velvety basil pesto and Parmesan cream sauce. Juicy cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness, while a sprinkle of chopped basil elevates the dish with an irresistible aroma. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-pan recipe is easy to prepare yet impressively flavorful. Whether you use store-bought or homemade pesto, this dish delivers creamy, herby goodness in every bite. Perfectly suited for those looking for quick pasta recipes with gourmet flair!
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Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup store-bought or homemade basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 4
In the same skillet used for the chicken, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the basil pesto and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Step 6
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
Step 7
Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes.
Step 8
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1491.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4128.8 |
| Total Fat 243.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 87.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 635.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5452.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 272.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 7.7g | |
| Protein 200.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 3.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1387.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 23.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2457.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories