Introduction
Pesto pasta with chicken is a classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the richness of basil pesto with tender, juicy chicken and al dente pasta. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity.
Table of Contents
- Preparation Time
10 minutes - Cooking Time
20 minutes - Serves
4 adults - Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients :
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Pasta & Pesto:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat, let it rest, then slice into strips.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 3: Prepare the Pesto Sauce
- In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic.
- Pulse until finely chopped.
- Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Toss cooked pasta with pesto sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Add sliced chicken and mix well.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Tips for the Best Pesto Pasta with Chicken
- Use fresh basil for maximum flavor.
- Toast pine nuts for a nuttier taste.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness.
Variations & Customizations
- Creamy Pesto Pasta: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream.
- Keto Version: Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
- Vegan Option: Swap chicken for grilled tofu and use dairy-free Parmesan.
Health Benefits of Pesto Pasta with Chicken
- Rich in protein: Chicken provides essential amino acids.
- Healthy fats: Olive oil and pine nuts offer heart-healthy fats.
- Packed with antioxidants: Basil and garlic help boost immunity.
Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Serving Size: 1 portion (out of 4)
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fats: ~30g
- Saturated Fat: ~7g
- Cholesterol: ~75mg
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: ~400mg
Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: Keep it juicy by not overcooking.
- Adding too much oil to pesto: Start slow and adjust as needed.
- Skipping the reserved pasta water: It helps the sauce coat the pasta better.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread and a fresh side salad.
- Top with roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of olive oil.
Wine & Beverage Pairings
- White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Non-Alcoholic: Lemon-infused sparkling water.
Conclusion
Pesto pasta with chicken is an easy, delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With fresh ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors!
FAQs
1. Can I make pesto pasta with chicken ahead of time?
Yes, but store the sauce separately to maintain freshness.
2. What’s the best pasta type for pesto?
Penne and fettuccine work best, as they hold the sauce well.
3. Can I freeze pesto pasta with chicken?
It’s best to freeze the pesto separately, as pasta can get mushy when thawed.
4. How do I make the pesto less bitter?
Blanch basil leaves before blending to reduce bitterness.
5. Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, but homemade pesto offers fresher and better flavor.
6. What’s a good substitute for pine nuts?
Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work well as alternatives.
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Pesto Pasta with Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Pasta & Pesto:
- 12 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- Cherry tomatoes halved
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from heat, let it rest, then slice into strips.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Pesto Sauce
- In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic.
- Pulse until finely chopped.
- Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything
- Toss cooked pasta with pesto sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Add sliced chicken and mix well.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
