Pesto Chicken Pasta: A Fresh and Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Pesto chicken pasta is the perfect combination of fresh, herbaceous flavors and comforting pasta goodness. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and al dente pasta in a meal that feels both light and satisfying. The best part? It’s quick and easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
In this article, we’ll break down how to make a simple and flavorful pesto chicken pasta that will become a staple in your dinner rotation. With just a few quality ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite variety)
• 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Fresh basil, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the cooked pasta aside while you prepare the chicken and pesto sauce.
2. Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Combine Chicken and Pasta with Pesto
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and return the cooked chicken. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. Stir in the pesto, ensuring that the pasta and chicken are evenly coated. If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a creamy, cohesive sauce.
4. Finish the Dish
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and, if using, the halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm everything through.
5. Garnish and Serve
Plate the pesto chicken pasta and garnish with freshly chopped basil for an extra burst of flavor. If you like, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the dish to add brightness. Serve hot with additional Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips for the Best Pesto Chicken Pasta
• Use High-Quality Pesto: Whether you’re making your own or using store-bought pesto, make sure it’s high quality. Fresh basil, good olive oil, and quality Parmesan make a huge difference in flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Pesto chicken pasta is highly adaptable. You can easily add in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or asparagus for extra nutrition and color.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender and juicy, cook it just until it’s browned and cooked through. Overcooking can dry out the chicken and make it tough.
Final Thoughts
Pesto chicken pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s quick to make and incredibly satisfying. The combination of fragrant basil pesto, savory chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta makes for a meal that’s both light and comforting. It’s also endlessly customizable—add your favorite veggies, swap the chicken for shrimp, or even try a different type of pesto for variety.
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