Weeknight • Pasta
Speedy Chicken Pesto Pasta
This vibrant pesto pasta with tender chicken comes together in a flash, perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Craving a dinner that's both comforting and quick? This Speedy Chicken Pesto Pasta is your new best friend. It’s packed with fresh flavors and uses a handful of ingredients you likely already have on hand. Dinner just got delicious and stress-free!
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work great)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, halved, and fresh basil for garnish
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
Step 3
Drain pasta and add it to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Reduce heat to low.
Step 4
Stir in the basil pesto, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until everything is well combined and coated.
Step 5
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- A splash of cream or milk can be added with the pesto for an even creamier sauce.
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