Description
Chicken Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with al dente pasta, all enveloped in a fresh basil pesto sauce. This quick recipe bursts with aromatic ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Enjoy a taste of Italy in every bite as you savor the rich flavors and delightful textures of this comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
Instructions
- Rinse basil leaves and garlic cloves.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; sauté until golden brown (6 minutes per side) and cooked through.
- In a food processor, blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta with pesto sauce in the skillet; add sliced chicken. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve hot topped with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg