Pesto Chicken Pasta
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and flavorful Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe—a true celebration of Italian-inspired comfort food that’s ready in just 40 minutes! Tender, golden-brown chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper are paired with al dente penne pasta, all smothered in a creamy basil pesto sauce that’s as indulgent as it is aromatic. Fresh cherry tomatoes and chopped basil add bursts of color and freshness, while grated Parmesan cheese takes the savory richness to new heights. Perfect for busy evenings or impressing guests, this quick yet satisfying dish serves four and is ideal for anyone craving a balanced combination of creamy, herby, and zesty flavors. Whether served as a casual family meal or a dinner party favorite, this pesto chicken pasta guarantees rave reviews.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 0.5 cup basil pesto
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the basil pesto and heavy cream. Stir until well combined and the sauce is heated through.
Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the pesto sauce.
Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes and chopped fresh basil leaves.
Serve the pesto chicken pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3204 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 151.2 g | 194% | |
| Saturated Fat | 49.5 g | 248% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 485 mg | 162% | |
| Sodium | 4122 mg | 179% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 266.5 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.5 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.7 g | ||
| Protein | 182.6 g | 365% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 993 mg | 76% | |
| Iron | 20.5 mg | 114% | |
| Potassium | 2639 mg | 56% | |
*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.
