Chicken Pesto Pasta
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- 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.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 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.
- 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