Pesto Pasta with Chicken
A delightful dish combining rich basil pesto, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and chicken
- 8 ounces pasta (your choice: penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
Pesto
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves Preferably organic for best flavor
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup olive oil Extra virgin recommended
- ⅓ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a different flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Garnishes
- to taste Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish, optional)
- to taste Additional Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
HOMECOOKIN Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart Digital Programmable Slow Cookers with Timer
Ninja Air Fryer with Air Crisp | 5 QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of Fries | 4-in-1 Pro
Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus Air Fryer, 6-in-1
Cuisinart Stand Mixer, 12 Speed, 5.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl, Chef’s Whisk, Mixing Paddle, Dough Hook, Splash Guard w/ Pour Spout, White Linen, SM-50NAS, Manual
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
Preparing Pesto
- In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can also add lemon juice for an extra zing.
Cooking Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or cubes.
Combining Ingredients
- In the same skillet, add the drained pasta and pesto. Stir to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Fold in the sliced chicken and gently combine everything. If using cherry tomatoes, add them now for a fresh touch.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!
Notes
For best results, use high-quality ingredients. Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes can add extra flavor. Experiment with toppings like toasted nuts or fresh arugula for added texture.