Description
Chicken Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a fresh homemade pesto sauce. Bursting with flavors from basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home. Enjoy this comforting meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 12 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente (about 8 minutes).
- Sauté the chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Make the pesto: Blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
- Combine: Drain pasta (reserve some water) and mix with chicken and pesto; add reserved water for creaminess.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg