This Chicken Pesto Pasta is a tasty mix of tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, and pasta. It’s quick to make and bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds dance!
Nothing beats a comforting bowl of this dish, especially when you want something easy for dinner. I love how the colorful ingredients look on my plate—so inviting and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is my go-to pasta for this dish. If you don’t have penne, try fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just pick a shape that holds onto the sauce well!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect as they cook quickly. For a twist, use rotisserie chicken or even cooked shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Basil Pesto: You can use store-bought pesto for convenience, but making your own is special! If you’re out of basil, swap with arugula or spinach for a different taste.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite for cooking and dressing pasta. If you’re in a pinch, any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed will do.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These add a nice kick! If you prefer milder flavors, leave them out or substitute with a pinch of black pepper.
How Can I Cook Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken to the right tenderness is key for this dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium-high heat for a good sear. This helps lock in moisture.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper before cooking for better flavor.
- Cook 5-7 minutes until golden and no longer pink in the center. Cut into a piece to check—if it’s juicy and white, it’s done!
Remember, smaller pieces cook faster, so cut them to your preferred size!
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta and chicken, plus a few minutes to combine everything and serve. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute—just until it smells wonderful and becomes fragrant, but don’t let it brown!
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Next, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly cooked and has a nice golden color on the outside.
4. Adding the Pesto:
Now, lower the heat to medium and stir in the basil pesto and crushed red pepper flakes (if you want that little kick!). Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors combine and heat through.
5. Bringing It All Together:
Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything gently to mix so that each piece of pasta is coated in the pesto and combined with the chicken.
6. Serving Your Dish:
Serve the Chicken Pesto Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and some extra chopped parsley if you wish. Enjoy your flavorful and creamy meal!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and will add a nuttier flavor and extra fiber to your dish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly from regular pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Pesto?
No worries! If you don’t have pesto on hand, you can make a quick alternative by blending fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, nuts (like pine nuts or walnuts), and a sprinkle of cheese together. Alternatively, you can toss the pasta with olive oil, sautéed vegetables, and a bit of cheese for a simple version.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a little water to help loosen the pasta.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini work great. You can add them in during the last couple of minutes of cooking the chicken so they get tender but remain vibrant!