Description
Chicken Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly combines tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, and al dente pasta. This quick recipe bursts with aromatic flavors, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its colorful presentation and delicious taste, Chicken Pesto Pasta is sure to impress your family and friends every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Stir in the pesto sauce until warmed.
- Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Fold in halved cherry tomatoes just before serving.
- Plate the dish and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg