Solo Pesto Chicken and Pasta
Elevate your solo dining experience with this quick and satisfying Solo Pesto Chicken and Pasta recipe! Perfectly seared chicken breast pairs harmoniously with al dente pasta coated in a creamy and flavorful pesto sauce, creating a rich yet balanced dish packed with Italian-inspired flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-serving meal is ideal for busy weeknights or when you're craving something indulgent yet simple to prepare. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, this dish transforms everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. Whether you're cooking for yourself or looking for a quick gourmet treat, this recipe is the ultimate single-serving pasta perfection.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 small (about 6-8 oz) chicken breast
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons pesto sauce
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 4 pieces cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)
- 2 leaves fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Season the chicken breast on both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breast. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
In the pot used for cooking the pasta, lower the heat to medium-low and add the pesto sauce and heavy cream. Stir to combine, creating a smooth and creamy pesto sauce.
Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Plate the pasta and top it with the sliced chicken. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Solo Pesto Chicken and Pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
811 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.6 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.2 g | 41% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 180 mg | 60% | |
| Sodium | 1638 mg | 71% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.9 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.6 g | ||
| Protein | 67.5 g | 135% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 166 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 854 mg | 18% | |
*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.
