Pesto Penne with Roasted Chicken

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Pesto Penne with Roasted Chicken, a hearty and satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or an elevated family dinner. Tender penne pasta is tossed with a velvety basil pesto sauce and paired with juicy, oven-roasted chicken seasoned with garlic, paprika, and olive oil for a smoky, savory kick. Optional cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, while freshly grated Parmesan and fragrant basil leaves create an irresistible, restaurant-quality finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers a comforting meal packed with bold, fresh ingredients and versatile serving options. Ideal for fans of quick Italian-inspired dinners!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup store-bought or homemade basil pesto
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional, halved)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 4

While the chicken is baking, cook penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5

In a large pan over medium heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. If using cherry tomatoes, toss them in and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just softened.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the pan. Stir in the basil pesto and a couple of tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, if needed.

Step 7

Add the sliced roasted chicken to the pan and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the pesto sauce.

Step 8

Sprinkle toasted Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.

Step 9

Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1246.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3114.6

Total Fat 145.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 335.0mg	0%
Sodium 4362.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 279.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.8g	0%
Total Sugars 9.4g
Protein 179.5g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 737.4mg	0%
Iron 25.7mg	0%
Potassium 2669.7mg	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: 41.7%

Protein: 22.8%

Carbs: 35.5%