Tasty Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe: A Speedy Weeknight Wonder

Whipping up a delectable chicken pesto pasta brings pure culinary joy to your weeknight dinner routine.

Emerald-green herbs swirl through tender noodles, creating a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Fresh basil leaves dance with tender chicken pieces, promising incredible flavor in every forkful.

Home cooks adore this simple yet sophisticated recipe that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Creamy sauce coats each pasta strand, delivering a mouthwatering combination of textures and tastes.

Fragrant garlic and nutty parmesan cheese elevate this classic comfort meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

Tips for Creamy Pesto Sauce That Sticks Just Right

• Manage Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring it retains a slight bite and can absorb the pesto sauce perfectly.
• Boost Chicken Flavor: Season chicken generously with salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat to develop a golden-brown exterior that locks in juiciness.
• Customize Pesto Power: Swap store-bought pesto with homemade or try different varieties like sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto to create unique flavor profiles.
• Enhance Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with grilled zucchini, roasted chickpeas, or plant-based protein to make the dish completely vegetarian-friendly.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to thin out pesto and create a silky, clingy sauce that evenly coats every pasta strand without being too thick or dry.

Reheat and Save Chicken Pesto Pasta Without Drying

• Store leftover chicken pesto pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra pesto to prevent drying and restore moisture, stirring gently until heated through.
• Brighten up reheated pasta by tossing in fresh basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or halved cherry tomatoes to revive its original flavors and texture.

What Works Well with Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Choose a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the herb-rich pesto and delicate chicken flavors.
• Prepare a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creamy pesto and add a bright, peppery contrast to the pasta dish.
• Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts to enhance the pesto's aromatic profile and add a nutty, crunchy texture to the meal.
• Serve with garlic-rubbed focaccia or crusty Italian bread to soak up the pesto sauce and provide a delightful textural accompaniment.

Chicken Pesto Pasta Variations You’ll Want to Explore

• Gluten-Free Pasta Paradise: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free rice or chickpea pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Veggie Venture: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas, and use dairy-free pesto made from spinach and nutritional yeast.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Carnival: Substitute pasta with spiralized cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a lighter, vegetable-packed alternative.
• Protein Power Plate: Add grilled shrimp or plant-based chicken substitute for extra protein and a different flavor profile.

FAQs for Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Is pesto pasta healthy?

Chicken pesto pasta can be a balanced meal with protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from pasta, and nutrients from basil and tomatoes. It provides a good mix of macronutrients when prepared with moderate portion sizes.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While this recipe works great with spaghetti or linguine, you can easily substitute with penne, rotini, or fusilli. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well and matches your preference.

• How can I make this dish more budget-friendly?

Use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken breast to save time and money. You can also swap pine nuts for more affordable chopped almonds or skip them entirely. Buying pesto in a jar is typically cheaper than making from scratch.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, chicken pesto pasta reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the sauce and pasta separate when storing to maintain the best texture when reheating.

Why Chicken Pesto Pasta Stands Out from the Crowd

• Combine basic ingredients like chicken, pasta, pesto, and tomatoes to create a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills required.
• Swap ingredients or add extra toppings like pine nuts or red pepper flakes to make this recipe your own personal culinary masterpiece.
• Protein-rich chicken, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil pesto deliver a balanced meal that both kids and adults will enthusiastically devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Pesto Pasta

Main Ingredients:

Pasta: A staple that forms the base of the dish, carrying the rich flavors of pesto and chicken. Ideal options include penne, fusilli, or linguine.

Chicken: Protein-packed and tender, providing a hearty component to the pasta. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for quick and even cooking.

Basil Pesto: Vibrant green sauce that adds intense herbal and garlic flavors. Homemade or store-bought work well, with fresh basil pesto offering the most robust taste.

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate the chicken’s natural taste. Use kosher salt for better flavor distribution.

Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the dish. Fresh minced garlic provides the most intense flavor.

Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice that introduces a gentle heat to the pasta. Adjust quantity based on personal spice tolerance.

Finishing Ingredients:

Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds richness and depth. Freshly grated provides the best melting and flavor.

Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, burst of freshness that contrasts with the rich pesto. Optional but recommended for added color and taste.

Fresh Basil: Garnish that provides a bright, aromatic finish. Fresh leaves create a restaurant-quality presentation.

Pine Nuts: Optional toasted nuts that add a nutty crunch and complement the pesto. Can be substituted with toasted almonds or walnuts.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta with Ease

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, following the package guidance. Scoop out a splash of pasta water before draining- this liquid gold will be your secret weapon for creating a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Chicken

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce diced chicken pieces, sprinkling with salt and black pepper. Let the chicken dance in the pan, turning golden and cooking through until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

Toss minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes into the skillet. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds, allowing the ingredients to release their intense, mouth-watering fragrance.

Step 4: Blend Pasta and Pesto

Lower the heat and slide the cooked pasta into the skillet. Drizzle basil pesto over the pasta, using the reserved pasta water to create a smooth, clingy sauce. Mix thoroughly, ensuring every strand gets coated with herby goodness.

Step 5: Introduce Cheesy Companions

• Parmesan cheese
• Cherry tomatoes

Stir until everything melds together in delicious harmony.

Step 6: Create the Final Masterpiece

• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra Parmesan
• Toasted pine nuts

Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy your culinary creation!

Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy pesto chicken pasta brings Italian countryside comfort straight to dinner tables. Fragrant basil, tender chicken, and al dente noodles combine in a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Pasta and Base:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• ½ cup (120g) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup (60ml) pasta water (reserved)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• ¼ cup (30g) toasted pine nuts (optional, for crunch)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted boiling water bath for the pasta, submerging the noodles and cooking until they reach a perfect al dente texture. Extract a modest portion of starchy liquid before draining the pasta completely.
2. Simultaneously, warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate heat. Introduce diced chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sauté until achieving a golden-brown exterior and thorough internal cooking.
3. Incorporate aromatic minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes into the chicken, allowing them to release their vibrant essence for a brief moment.
4. Reduce the skillet’s temperature and gently fold the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture. Lavishly coat the ingredients with rich basil pesto, utilizing the reserved pasta water to create a silky, harmonious sauce.
5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to ensure comprehensive integration of flavors and textures.
6. Present the dish adorned with fresh basil leaves, an additional dusting of Parmesan, and optional toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rotini to help pesto cling better and create more delicious bites.
• Toast pine nuts quickly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the dish.
• Use high-quality store-bought or homemade pesto for the most authentic and vibrant taste profile.
• Swap chicken with tofu or white beans for a vegetarian version that maintains the recipe’s creamy, herbal essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg