This Pesto Chicken Pasta is all about tasty goodness! Juicy chicken is cooked to perfection and tossed with pasta and a vibrant green pesto sauce. It’s quick and easy!
I love how colorful this dish looks! It’s my go-to for a weeknight dinner. Plus, you can add any veggies you have on hand for an extra crunch. Yum! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta works great for holding onto the sauce. If you don’t have penne, you can use rotini or farfalle instead. They also grab sauce nicely and add fun shapes to your dish!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice for their lean protein. If you’re looking for something different, try substituting with chickpeas for a vegetarian option or use sliced turkey breast for a twist.
Basil Pesto: Store-bought pesto is convenient, but homemade is truly special. If basil isn’t available, try using spinach or arugula. You could also experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto for a unique flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a juicy burst to the dish. If you’re out of fresh tomatoes, use sun-dried tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes instead; just reduce the amount of pesto you use to maintain balance.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right! Start by cutting it into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Here are the steps:
- Heat olive oil on medium heat in a skillet; it should shimmer when ready.
- Add minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant—don’t let it burn!
- Then, add your chicken pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check; 165°F (75°C) is the goal!
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before adding it to your pasta. This keeps it juicy and tender!
How to Make Pesto Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 8 oz (about 225 g) penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce and Garnish:
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes to make this delicious dish. This includes around 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook 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 it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant—just be careful not to let it burn! Next, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat.
3. Combine Everything:
In a large bowl or the same skillet (if it’s big enough), combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and basil pesto. Toss everything together gently to ensure that the pasta, chicken, and tomatoes are evenly coated in the pesto.
4. Add Cheese and Garnish:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture and give it another gentle toss. It will add a fantastic flavor! To serve, plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves. If you like some heat, feel free to sprinkle on some red pepper flakes.
5. Enjoy!
Dig into your delicious Pesto Chicken Pasta while it’s warm. This dish is comforting, packed with flavor, and sure to please anyone at your table!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While penne is great for this dish, feel free to substitute it with any pasta you have on hand, like fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you want a vegetarian option, chickpeas or tofu are excellent substitutes for chicken. You can also try shrimp or turkey if you prefer different proteins. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp only takes a few minutes to cook!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra pesto to help revive the dish’s moisture and flavor. You can use the stove or microwave to warm it up!