If you’re looking for a delicious and simple meal, this Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a great choice. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how to make this tasty pasta dish!
| Servings | Total |
| 4 | 30mins |
History of Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Chicken Pesto Pasta has its roots in Italian cuisine, where pesto, a sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, originated in the Liguria region. Sun-dried tomatoes, another staple of Italian cooking, add a concentrated burst of flavor and a chewy texture. This combination brings together the fresh, herbaceous taste of pesto and the rich, slightly sweet flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. Over time, this dish has become popular worldwide, loved for its simplicity and robust flavors.
Why Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The juicy chicken complements the fresh pesto sauce, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a delightful tang. It’s easy to prepare and makes a satisfying meal for any occasion. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to different dietary needs and preferences.
What is Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Made of?
Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is made of pasta, chicken breast, pesto sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes. Additional ingredients often include garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sometimes pine nuts for added crunch and flavor.
What to Have with Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This pasta dish pairs well with a simple green salad and a slice of garlic bread. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale. A glass of white wine, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the flavors beautifully.
Is Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Healthy?
Chicken Pesto Pasta can be a healthy option, especially if you use whole grain or gluten-free pasta and homemade pesto. It’s rich in protein from the chicken, and the pesto provides healthy fats and nutrients from the basil and olive oil. However, sun-dried tomatoes can be high in sodium, so it’s important to balance your intake.
Kitchen Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through about 7-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add a bit more olive oil if needed in the same skillet and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, and add the cooked pasta, pesto sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips
- Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the pasta for a creamier sauce.
- Use store-bought pesto for convenience, or make your own for fresher flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sun-dried tomatoes based on your preference for their strong flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delicious and easy meal that brings together the best of Italian flavors. It’s perfect for any occasion and can be customized to suit your preferences. Enjoy this tasty dish with your favorite sides and savor the delightful combination of pesto and sun-dried tomatoes.
MORE RECIPES
Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, pesto sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving