Pesto Chicken Pasta is a tasty dish that brings together juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and rich, herby pesto sauce. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor!
Cooking this dish feels like a mini celebration at my kitchen table. Seriously, who can resist that vibrant green sauce? I love adding extra veggies to sneak in some healthiness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: I love using penne because its tubular shape holds onto the sauce really well. If you don’t have penne, you can swap it for fusilli, rotini, or any pasta type you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed!
Chicken Breasts: I’m a fan of chicken breasts for their quick cooking time. You could use thighs for a juicier option, or even rotisserie chicken to make it easier. Just shred it and heat it with the sauce.
Pesto: Fresh basil pesto gives this dish its delicious flavor. If you can’t find it or want a lighter option, try a spinach or arugula pesto, or make your own using basil, nuts, garlic, oil, and cheese.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a nice burst of flavor. If you don’t have them, you can use canned diced tomatoes or simply skip them. For a sweeter taste, try using sun-dried tomatoes instead.
How Do You Cook Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking chicken can sometimes be tricky, but with the right method, you’ll get juicy pieces every time! Start by cutting the chicken into even strips so they cook more uniformly.
- Heat your skillet to medium before adding oil—this helps to achieve a golden-brown color.
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden and cooked through (no pink inside!).
- Let the chicken sit for a minute after cooking to retain its juices.
How to Make Pesto Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 300g penne pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes total! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping ingredients and cooking the chicken and pasta, plus about 20 minutes bringing everything together for a delicious meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (which usually takes about 8-10 minutes). Once done, drain the pasta but remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside for later.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
While your pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken strips to the skillet and season them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sautéing the Garlic and Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. If you’re including cherry tomatoes, add them to the skillet now. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
4. Combining the Ingredients:
Next, return the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Then, add the cooked penne pasta. Stir everything together gently. Pour in the fresh basil pesto and mix well, making sure everything is nicely coated. If the dish seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
5. Finishing Up:
Cook everything together for an additional 2 minutes, letting all the flavors meld and combine beautifully. Then, it’s time to dish it up!
6. Serving:
Transfer the Pesto Chicken Pasta to serving bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and enjoy your vibrant, flavorful meal warm!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a great time-saver and usually tastes delicious. Just choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor. If you prefer homemade, that works perfectly too!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you want a vegetarian option, you can use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. For a different flavor, shrimp or sliced turkey would also work well in this recipe.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or more pesto to prevent drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the chicken back in!
