Description
Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightfully effortless dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and perfectly cooked pasta to create a satisfying meal bursting with flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this easy recipe that’s great for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- ? cup toasted pine nuts
- ? cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Let rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat and add the pesto, mixing well.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the pesto sauce.
- Return sliced chicken to the skillet along with pine nuts and Parmesan cheese; gently mix until combined.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra pesto and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For added nutrition, consider incorporating seasonal vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes.
Marinating the chicken in pesto overnight enhances flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg