Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
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.
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.