Chicken Pesto Pasta is one of those delightful dishes that can easily transform your ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. Imagine tender pieces of chicken sautéed to golden perfection, coated lovingly in vibrant basil pesto, and paired with al dente pasta. This meal not only dazzles the taste buds but also offers a feast for the eyes with its rich colors. If you’re looking for a dish that combines simplicity with a burst of flavor, then Chicken Pesto Pasta is the ideal choice.
Why We Love This Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
One of the greatest appeals of Chicken Pesto Pasta is its versatility. It is not just easy to prepare but also highly customizable. You can whip it up on a busy weeknight or serve it during a cozy weekend gathering. The fragrant aroma of sautéing garlic and the fresh aroma of basil can make your kitchen feel like an Italian trattoria. Moreover, this dish captures the essence of comfort food without requiring hours of preparation. The combination of protein from chicken, carbohydrates from pasta, and nutrition from fresh ingredients makes it a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients for Chicken Pesto Pasta
To create this delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients. Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking to make the process smoother.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12 ounces short pasta, such as farfalle
1 cup basil pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Directions
Now, let’s break down the cooking process. This Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe is straightforward and can be completed in about 30 minutes. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Boil the Pasta: First, bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. This step is essential as it not only cooks the pasta but also adds flavor. Once boiling, add the short pasta of your choice, like farfalle. Cook according to the package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
Add Garlic and Seasoning: Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the pan. The garlic will infuse the oil with its aromatic goodness, so cook it for about one minute until fragrant.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: After draining the cooked pasta, toss it into the skillet with the chicken. Make sure to combine everything well, allowing the flavors to harmonize.
Incorporate the Pesto: Immediately after adding the pasta, pour in the basil pesto. Toss the pasta and chicken to coat them evenly with the vibrant green sauce. This is where your dish starts to come together wonderfully.
Add Fresh Ingredients: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, introducing a burst of freshness to your dish. Finally, sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top. Give it a final toss to mix everything well.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, do a taste test. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a splash more of pesto according to your liking.
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pasta
Serving Chicken Pesto Pasta is where you can showcase your culinary creation. This dish does not require elaborate plating; its colorful components speak for themselves. A simple bowl or plate works best.
Presentation: Serve the pasta warm right from the skillet or transfer it to a serving bowl. Use tongs to elegantly arrange the pasta, chicken, and cherry tomatoes. The tossing will ensure that the pesto coats every piece.
Garnish: Add a final touch by garnishing with additional freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top for an exquisite look.
Pairings: Although it stands beautifully on its own, you can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a light salad dressed with olive oil and lemon for a complete meal.
Expert Tips: Chicken Pesto Pasta
Here are some expert tips to elevate your Chicken Pesto Pasta experience:
Use Fresh Pesto: If possible, opt for fresh basil pesto instead of store-bought. The quality of the pesto can significantly enhance the overall flavor of the dish. You can even make your own at home using fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and cheese.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when you combine it with the hot chicken and sauce, ensuring that it has the perfect chew.
Experiment with Proteins: While this recipe emphasizes chicken, feel free to experiment with other proteins like shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving offers a refreshing brightness that complements the richness of the pesto.
Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, consider folding in toasted pine nuts or walnuts with the cherry tomatoes.
How to Store Chicken Pesto Pasta
If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but it can happen!), storing Chicken Pesto Pasta is quite simple.
Cool Down: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps in preventing condensation and sogginess.
Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled pasta into airtight containers. This will keep it fresh for longer.
Refrigerate: Place the containers in the refrigerator. Chicken Pesto Pasta can last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. When you are ready to enjoy it again, reheat using your microwave, ensuring that it is thoroughly heated before serving.
Freezing: If you want to store it for longer, it can also be frozen for up to 2 months. However, note that the texture of the pasta may change somewhat after thawing.
Variations of Chicken Pesto Pasta
The beauty of Chicken Pesto Pasta lies in its versatility. It can easily be adapted to suit your tastes. Here are some variations you might consider:
Vegetable Medley: Add additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the mix. Sautéing seasonal vegetables along with the chicken enhances both flavor and nutrition.
Different Pasta Shapes: While farfalle works beautifully, other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli also make great choices. Each shape will give you a slightly different texture and consistency.
Cheese Variations: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, try substituting with Pecorino Romano or even crumbled feta for a tangy twist.
Spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes will give your dish an added kick if you enjoy heat in your meals.
Creamy Addition: For a creamier version, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt to the pesto before mixing it with the pasta.
FAQ: Chicken Pesto Pasta
What is Chicken Pesto Pasta?
Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delicious dish made with bite-sized pieces of chicken tossed with pasta, pesto sauce, and fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
How long does it take to prepare Chicken Pesto Pasta?
With its straightforward preparation, Chicken Pesto Pasta can be made in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, you can use store-bought pesto for convenience. However, making your own can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.
Is Chicken Pesto Pasta suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a great option for meal prep. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Are there alternatives for chicken in this recipe?
Definitely! You can replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even leave it vegetarian by focusing on vegetables.
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Mixing Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ tsp. minced garlic
- ¾ tsp. Italian seasoning
- 12 oz short pasta such as farfalle
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the short pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
- Cook chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the skillet, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken.
- Pour in the basil pesto and toss everything together until well coated. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and toss again.
- Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.
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