Description
This Pesto Chicken Pasta features tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a rich pesto sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both vibrant and delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of homemade or store-bought pesto
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes for al dente), stirring occasionally.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them.
- Flip the chicken, reduce heat to medium, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes.
- After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips.
- In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Toss in the fresh spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Lower the heat and add the pesto, stirring well with the tomatoes and spinach for about a minute.
- Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the pesto.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss again until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
- Plate the pasta in bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- For added crunch, consider toasting pine nuts or walnuts and mixing them in before serving.
- Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes