Description
Pesto Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, and creamy Parmesan together in a comforting embrace. Perfectly cooked pasta mingles with tender chicken and a luscious homemade pesto sauce, creating an unforgettable meal for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and rich taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown and no longer pink.
- In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with chicken. Pour in pesto sauce and toss to coat evenly. Simmer briefly to meld flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg