Amazing Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Amazing Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! Our Amazing Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a culinary dream come true, bringing a gourmet feel to your table with minimal effort. This dish perfectly marries tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and perfectly cooked pasta into a creamy, flavorful sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds. It's quick enough for busy evenings but impressive enough for company. Get ready to discover your next go-to recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for freshness)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, pesto, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to combine, ensuring the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the pesto sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and halved cherry tomatoes (if using). Continue to toss for another minute until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Enhance Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce before serving.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, chopped bell peppers, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking the chicken or with the tomatoes.
- Homemade Pesto: While store-bought pesto is convenient, a fresh homemade pesto can elevate this dish significantly. It's surprisingly easy to make with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil.
- Perfect Pasta Water: Don't skip reserving the pasta water! Its starchiness helps emulsify the sauce, making it rich and clingy to the pasta.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use a different type of chicken? A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They tend to be more forgiving and stay moister. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian? A: Simply omit the chicken! You can replace it with chickpeas, white beans, grilled zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and protein. Ensure your pesto is vegetarian (some contain Parmesan made with animal rennet).
- Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? A: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Q: What are good side dishes for Chicken Pesto Pasta? A: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, some crusty garlic bread, or steamed green beans would complement this dish beautifully.