Amazing Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Amazing Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This Amazing Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe truly brings gourmet flavor to your table without any fuss. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces mingling with vibrant, aromatic pesto, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Every single bite is a delightful taste of homemade goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. It's quick enough for a busy evening but delicious enough for a special occasion. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or spaghetti work great)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (7-ounce) container prepared basil pesto
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for color and freshness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes (if using), and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet with the chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and heated through. Add more pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the sauce seems too thick or dry.
- Stir in the 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and easy meal!
Pro Tips & Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta to al dente! It ensures a pleasant texture that holds up well with the sauce and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Pesto Power: Feel free to adjust the amount of pesto to your liking. Some prefer a lighter coating, while others love a richer, more intense pesto flavor.
- Veggie Boost: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Consider adding other vegetables like spinach (wilt it in with the chicken at the end), bell peppers, or even asparagus for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Leftovers Love: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You may want to add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
- Homemade vs. Store-Bought: While a good quality store-bought pesto makes this recipe incredibly fast, feel free to use your favorite homemade pesto for an even fresher flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Absolutely! Penne, rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti work wonderfully with this recipe. Choose your favorite!
- Q: Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian? A: Yes! Simply omit the chicken. You can add extra vegetables, cannellini beans, or even some roasted chickpeas for added protein.
- Q: How long does this dish last in the refrigerator? A: Stored in an airtight container, this chicken pesto pasta will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It makes for excellent leftovers!
- Q: Can I freeze this recipe? A: While technically possible, pasta dishes with pesto don't always freeze and thaw perfectly, as the pasta can become mushy and the pesto flavor can diminish slightly. It's best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.