Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken pesto pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a vibrant basil pesto sauce. This recipe transforms an ordinary meal into a flavorful experience perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend gathering with friends. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a meal that guarantees smiles and second helpings, making you the culinary star of your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3 garlic cloves
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing garlic.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes), then drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chicken pieces with salt and pepper until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
- Blend basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth; season to taste.
- Combine drained pasta with sautéed chicken and pesto sauce; mix well.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 340g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg