Chicken Pesto Pasta
This Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and al dente pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty meal prep option, this dish brings together fresh flavors in just one pot!
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Strainer
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium chicken breasts, diced About 500g total.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pesto sauce Store-bought or homemade.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- to taste fresh basil leaves, for garnish Optional.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- In the skillet with the cooked chicken, add the cooked pasta and pesto sauce. Stir well to combine and heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes and half of the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can use whole grain pasta or zucchini noodles.
This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.