Irresistible Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Flavorful Delight

The aroma of chicken pesto pasta wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds with its blend of savory chicken, vibrant basil, and nutty parmesan. This dish is an orchestra of flavors, each ingredient playing a crucial role in creating a meal that warms the soul and delights the palate.

Picture this: you gather around the dinner table with family or friends, laughter echoing as everyone digs into their plates of creamy, green goodness. The memories created over this dish are just as delicious as the recipe itself, perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings that call for comfort food with a twist.

I still remember the first time I made chicken pesto pasta; my friends devoured it and raved about how it could easily be served at a restaurant.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 breasts; adjust based on your crowd size.

• Pesto Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; fresh basil-based sauces bring out the best flavors.

• Pasta (Farfalle or Penne): Choose any pasta shape you love; al dente texture is key here.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives the best taste; it melts beautifully into the dish.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin is preferred for its rich flavor; use it to sauté the chicken.

• Cherry Tomatoes: These add a pop of color and sweetness; choose vibrant red ones for maximum appeal.

• Spinach or Arugula: Fresh greens add nutrition and a lovely balance against the rich flavors.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves are ideal; they enhance the overall flavor profile remarkably.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all other flavors in this dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Chicken: Start by seasoning your boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Sauté Chicken Until Golden Brown: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.

Cook Your Pasta Perfectly: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.

Add Garlic and Tomatoes to Skillet: In the same skillet used for chicken, add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, allowing those beautiful colors to shine.

Combine Everything in One Pan: Return sliced chicken to skillet along with drained pasta and pesto sauce. Toss everything together gently over medium heat until evenly coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce.

Add Fresh Greens and Serve Hot!: Stir in fresh spinach or arugula until just wilted. Plate up your chicken pesto pasta while it’s warm and sprinkle generously with grated parmesan before diving in!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy pesto sauce. This sequence ensures everything is hot and fresh when served.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in zucchini noodles for a low-carb option or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. Personalize it to fit your taste!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of olive oil to restore creaminess.

Sharing this dish at our family gatherings always sparks joy, as everyone fights over who gets the last scoop! It’s become a staple and a crowd-pleaser.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Using store-bought pesto saves time but may lack freshness compared to homemade versions.

What type of pasta works best for chicken pesto pasta?

Penne or fettuccine are excellent choices as they hold onto sauce beautifully.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with grilled vegetables or chickpeas for a hearty meal.

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Chicken Pesto Pasta

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Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and al dente pasta for a comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and visually stunning. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this one-pan wonder allows you to savor every bite while creating lasting memories with loved ones.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 12 oz pasta (farfalle or penne)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.
3. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
5. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta and pesto sauce. Toss gently over medium heat until evenly coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Stir in fresh spinach or arugula until just wilted. Serve hot with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 90mg