Discover delicious chicken and pesto pasta recipes that are easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Get inspired and try them today!

Are you tired of your usual pasta dishes? Do you want to try something new and exciting for dinner tonight? Look no further than chicken and pesto pasta! This flavorful dish is a perfect combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and savory pesto sauce. Plus, it's super easy to make! First, cook the pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, sauté some diced chicken in a pan until it's golden brown. Then, add in some garlic, cherry tomatoes, and a generous amount of pesto sauce.

Introduction

Are you looking for a quick and easy meal to make during the week? Look no further than chicken and pesto pasta! This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. With just a few ingredients, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make chicken and pesto pasta.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need:

1 pound of pasta
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 jar of store-bought pesto
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water before adding the pasta to give it some flavor. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and let it heat up. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add them to the pan. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest for a few minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the pesto sauce

Next, empty the entire jar of pesto into the same skillet you used to cook the chicken. Turn the heat down to low and let the pesto warm up for a few minutes.

Step 4: Combine the pasta, chicken, and pesto

Once the pesto is warmed up, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the pesto sauce until well coated. Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces and add them to the skillet as well. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Step 5: Add Parmesan cheese

Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and chicken mixture. Use a spatula to gently mix the cheese into the dish, making sure it is evenly distributed.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken and pesto pasta is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Garlic bread or dinner rolls
A side salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette dressing
Sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, squash, or bell peppers

Conclusion

Chicken and pesto pasta is a delicious and easy meal that you can make in under 30 minutes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a satisfying dinner on the table in no time. We hope this article has provided you with helpful instructions on how to make this classic dish. Enjoy!

Introduction: Welcome to the Delicious World of Chicken and Pesto Pasta

Looking for a comforting and satisfying meal? Look no further than Chicken and Pesto Pasta. This delightful dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a meal that is both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

Penne pasta
Chicken breast
Pesto sauce
Garlic
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
Parmesan cheese

Preparation of Pasta

First, you'll need to boil the penne pasta in salted water for about 12 minutes or until it's al dente. Once cooked, strain the pasta and keep it aside.

Preparing Chicken

Next, cut the chicken breast into small pieces and marinate it with garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Cooking Chicken

Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken pieces for about 10-12 minutes until they’re brown and fully cooked.

Combining Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked chicken to the penne pasta and mix it well.

Preparing Pesto Sauce

To prepare the pesto sauce, take a blender and add a bunch of basil leaves, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend everything into a smooth and creamy pesto sauce.

Adding Pesto Sauce

Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta and chicken mix, and toss it well to coat evenly.

Serving

Serve this handsome dish on a plate, garnish it with some basil leaves and parmesan cheese, and enjoy!

Conclusion

You have successfully made a classic and toothsome dish – Chicken and Pesto Pasta. This dish is perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed by the whole family. So, go ahead and give it a try!

Once upon a time, there was a cook who loved experimenting with different pasta recipes. One day, she stumbled upon the Chicken and Pesto Pasta recipe and decided to give it a try.

The chicken and pesto pasta recipe is a perfect blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The dish is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

1 pound of pasta
2 chicken breasts, cubed
4 cloves of garlic, minced
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 cup of pesto sauce
1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for a minute or until fragrant.
Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Toss together until well combined.
Stir in the pesto sauce and continue to toss until the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce.
Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot and enjoy!

The Chicken and Pesto Pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone satisfied. The pesto sauce adds a burst of flavor to the dish, and the chicken provides a hearty protein to make it a filling meal. Give this recipe a try, and you won't be disappointed!

Thank you for taking the time to read about our delicious chicken and pesto pasta recipe. We hope that you have enjoyed learning about this flavorful dish and are excited to try it out in your own kitchen. Here are some final instructions and tips for making the perfect chicken and pesto pasta:

First, be sure to cook your pasta until it is al dente - this means it should be cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. This will help ensure that your pasta doesn't become mushy when you mix it with the sauce. Also, don't forget to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining - this can be used to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.

When cooking the chicken, make sure it is fully cooked through before adding it to the pasta and pesto sauce. You can cut it into bite-sized pieces or leave it whole, depending on your preference. And if you're looking to save time, you can always use pre-cooked chicken or even leftover rotisserie chicken.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings and mix-ins. Some of our favorite additions include cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and extra grated Parmesan cheese. We hope that you enjoy making and eating this chicken and pesto pasta recipe as much as we do!

Thank you again for visiting our blog and trying out this recipe. We would love to hear your feedback and any variations or tweaks you made to make it your own. Happy cooking!

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People Also Ask About Chicken and Pesto Pasta Recipes:

How do I make chicken and pesto pasta?

To make chicken and pesto pasta, start by cooking pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook diced chicken until browned and cooked through. In another pan, heat store-bought or homemade pesto sauce until warmed through. Drain pasta and toss with pesto sauce and chicken. Serve hot.
What type of pasta should I use for chicken and pesto pasta?

The best type of pasta to use for chicken and pesto pasta is short pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini. These shapes have ridges that help them hold onto the pesto sauce and chicken pieces, making each bite full of flavor.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time in the kitchen. Simply dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pesto sauce when warming it up. This will allow the chicken to soak up some of the flavors from the sauce and taste just as delicious as freshly cooked chicken.
Can I make pesto sauce from scratch?

Yes, you can make pesto sauce from scratch using fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend all the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the consistency and seasoning to your liking. Homemade pesto sauce has a more vibrant taste than store-bought varieties.
What are some variations of chicken and pesto pasta?

There are many ways to make chicken and pesto pasta more interesting. You can add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, asparagus, or spinach for extra color and nutrition. You can also mix in different types of cheese like feta, goat cheese, or mozzarella. Additionally, you can replace the chicken with shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.