Pesto Pasta with Chicken
A bright and zesty Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring tender seared chicken and a vibrant basil pesto sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
12 oz Pasta (Penne, Fusilli, or Farfalle)
1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup Basil Pesto (Store-bought or fresh)
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Lemon zest and fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1.Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; reserve 1 cup of water before draining.
2.Season chicken with salt and pepper; sear in olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through.
3.Add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes to the skillet; sauté for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften.
4.Reduce heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken.
5.Stir in the pesto sauce and a splash of reserved pasta water, tossing to coat evenly.
6.Continue adding pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.
7.Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
8.Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overheat the pesto as it can turn brown and lose its fresh flavor.
Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster 15-minute meal version.
The pasta water is essential for creating an emulsion that clings to the noodles.
Find it online: https://elitesrecipes.com/pesto-pasta-with-chicken/