Chicken Pesto Pasta is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a great way to make a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With the savory pesto sauce coating tender pasta and juicy chicken, this dish feels fancy, but it’s super easy to prepare. You can whip it up quickly and enjoy a satisfying, hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
| Servings | Total |
| 4 | 30mins |
History of Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken Pesto Pasta is a relatively modern twist on traditional Italian pesto pasta. Pesto, a classic Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, originated in Genoa, Italy. It has been used in pasta dishes for centuries, but adding chicken is a more recent adaptation. Pairing protein with the flavorful sauce makes the dish more filling and perfect for family dinners.
Why Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken Pesto Pasta is not only quick and easy but also a healthy and balanced meal. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic pesto, and al dente pasta creates a satisfying dish that’s full of fresh flavors. It’s a great way to add protein to a traditional pesto dish, making it more filling and perfect for any day of the week.
What is Chicken Pesto Pasta Made of?
Chicken Pesto Pasta consists of just a few simple ingredients:
- Pasta: Any variety, though penne or linguine are popular choices.
- Chicken: Typically boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Pesto: A sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle on top for extra flavor.
- Optional: Vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach can be added for more texture and nutrition.
What to Have with Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken Pesto Pasta pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Garlic bread: A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover pesto sauce.
- Green salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus make great side dishes.
- Roasted vegetables: For something heartier, roast some vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant.
Is Chicken Pesto Pasta Healthy?
Chicken Pesto Pasta can be a healthy meal depending on how it’s made. The basil in pesto is packed with vitamins, and chicken provides lean protein. However, pesto can be high in calories and fat due to the olive oil and Parmesan cheese. To make it healthier, use whole wheat pasta and opt for a lighter pesto by reducing the amount of oil or cheese. You can also bulk up the dish with vegetables to add more nutrients and fiber.
Kitchen Equipment
- Large pot: To boil the pasta.
- Skillet or frying pan: For cooking the chicken.
- Mixing bowl: To combine everything.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients together.
- Grater: For fresh Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (200g) pasta (penne or linguine)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- ½ cup (120g) pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes, spinach, or pine nuts for extra flavor and texture
Directions:
- Cook the pasta: 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.
- Cook the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, chicken, and pesto sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well-coated in the pesto sauce.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and gently toss again.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Pesto Pasta warm. Garnish with additional Parmesan, pine nuts, or fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Homemade pesto: If you have the time, making your pesto with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese elevates the flavors of the dish.
- Add veggies: For a more balanced meal, add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or roasted vegetables to the pasta.
- Use leftover chicken: This is a great recipe for using up leftover grilled or baked chicken.
- Lighter version: For a lighter version, you can use a lower-fat pesto or reduce the amount of olive oil in the pesto.
Conclusion
Chicken Pesto Pasta is an easy, flavorful dish that can be made in no time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or need a quick meal for yourself, this recipe is versatile and delicious. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete meal. It’s the perfect blend of savory pesto, tender chicken, and al dente pasta—comfort food at its best.
MORE RECIPES
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater
Ingredients
- 2 cups (200g) pasta (penne or linguine)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- ½ cup (120g) pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes, spinach, or pine nuts for extra flavor and texture
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.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, chicken, and pesto sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well-coated in the pesto sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and gently toss again.
- Serve the Chicken Pesto Pasta warm. Garnish with additional Parmesan, pine nuts, or fresh basil if desired.