Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and fresh cherry tomatoes for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti or penne)
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and slice.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.
- Combine with Pesto: Reduce the heat and stir in the basil pesto, mixing well with the tomatoes.
- Toss with Pasta: Add drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing to combine. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for creaminess.
- Serve: Plate your pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before enjoying!
Notes
- For added nutrition, consider using whole wheat pasta.
- Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or chickpeas for a delightful variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg