Pesto Chicken Pasta
This Pesto Chicken Pasta is a quick and cozy dinner made with juicy chicken, garlicky pesto, and pasta tossed in a creamy, herby sauce. It’s weeknight comfort food that feels a little fancy, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Servings: 4
Calories: 720kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta penne, spaghetti, or your choice
- salt for boiling water
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Pesto Sauce:
- ¾ cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- ¼ cup heavy cream optional, for creaminess
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
To Finish:
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts optional
- fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Parmesan cheese grated, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the pesto and heavy cream (if using) over low heat. Stir until the sauce is warmed through. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic. Finish with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the pesto sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Divide the pasta among plates and top with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
- Pasta water is your friend: loosen the sauce with a splash if it thickens too much.
- Skip the cream if you prefer it lighter, or double down for extra indulgence.
- Add-ins welcome: think spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or whatever veggies you need to use up.
- Use good pesto: whether it’s homemade or store-bought, the flavor really shines here.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 720kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 552mg | Potassium: 460mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1240IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 147mg | Iron: 2mg
