Pesto Chicken Spaghetti
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this flavorful Pesto Chicken Spaghetti recipe—a delightful combination of tender, juicy chicken breasts, al dente spaghetti, and creamy basil pesto. This quick and easy dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights without sacrificing taste. The savory pesto sauce is balanced with a touch of reserved pasta water for the perfect consistency, while optional bursts of sweet, roasted cherry tomatoes add extra flair. Finished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fragrant basil leaves, this restaurant-quality meal is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ideal for family dinners or casual entertaining, this one-pan recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 120 grams basil pesto
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 10 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 100 grams cherry tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the spaghetti is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the basil pesto. Stir it gently to warm it up, then add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the pesto sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet, along with cherry tomatoes if desired. Stir gently to combine.
Serve the pesto chicken spaghetti immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2247 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 111.8 g | 143% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.4 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 375 mg | 125% | |
| Sodium | 4252 mg | 185% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 139.1 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.0 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.2 g | ||
| Protein | 166.1 g | 332% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1092 mg | 84% | |
| Iron | 12.7 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 1936 mg | 41% | |
*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.
