Chicken Pesto Pasta
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this quick and easy Chicken Pesto Pasta, a hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Juicy, pan-seared chicken pairs beautifully with tender pasta, a rich and aromatic basil pesto, and a touch of savory Parmesan cheese. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, while fresh basil provides a refreshing herbal note. This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days without sacrificing on taste. Whether you’re craving a light yet satisfying pasta dish or simply looking to elevate your chicken dinner game, this Chicken Pesto Pasta will become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Serve it warm with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 12 ounces Pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup Basil pesto
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or cubes.
Return the drained pasta to the pot, add the pesto, and a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta. Stir well to combine.
Add the chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta. Toss everything together gently.
If the pasta looks dry, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve the pasta in bowls, garnishing each serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Enjoy your delicious chicken pesto pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
696 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.2 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.9 g | 54% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 108 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 1282 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.8 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.6 g | ||
| Protein | 47.2 g | 94% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 473 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 767 mg | 16% | |
*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.
