Description
Indulge in a delectable Italian feast with our quick and easy chicken pesto pasta recipe. This dish combines the classic flavors of fresh basil pesto, tender chicken, and your favorite pasta shape for a satisfying weeknight dinner that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal or seeking to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy sauce)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Prepare the Pesto Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the pesto sauce and stir. If you prefer a creamy sauce, add the heavy cream and stir until combined and heated through. - Combine Pasta and Chicken:
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the pesto sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a homemade pesto sauce, blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- You can add extra veggies like sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and use a bit more pesto sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Italian
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Chicken Pesto Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Weeknight Dinner, Pesto Pasta, Quick Chicken Pasta, Healthy Pesto Pasta