Pesto Chicken Pasta
After a long day, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of pesto chicken pasta. It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and feels like comfort in every bite. With juicy chicken and fresh pesto, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick, tasty, and homemade.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot
Ingredients
- 2 breasts chicken (boneless, skinless)
- 12 oz pasta penne, fusilli, or linguine recommended
- 1/2 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Let it rest, then slice it into strips.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add pesto and stir to warm it up. Add a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat every piece with pesto. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Plate the pasta and top with optional ingredients like pine nuts, extra cheese, or lemon zest.
Notes
Feel free to customize this dish by adding in your favorite vegetables or extra seasonings. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for any mood or pantry stock.