Easy Pesto Chicken Penne
Creamy, savory, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Easy Pesto Chicken Penne is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution! Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious basil pesto sauce with juicy, golden-browned chicken pieces and sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes, this dish is as vibrant as it is delicious. The recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or quick midweek meals. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a rich, cheesy finish, while fresh basil leaves lend an optional pop of herbaceous flavor. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and an irresistible combination of textures and tastes, this one-skillet pasta dish is sure to become a household favorite. Perfect for anyone craving a quick and easy pesto chicken pasta recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 0.5 cup basil pesto
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.
Lower the heat and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the basil pesto and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Toss to combine.
Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2722 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 105.2 g | 135% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.5 g | 108% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 345 mg | 115% | |
| Sodium | 3741 mg | 163% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 267.4 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.6 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.7 g | ||
| Protein | 173.9 g | 348% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 725 mg | 56% | |
| Iron | 18.3 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 2547 mg | 54% | |
*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.
