Weeknight • Pasta
Speedy Lemon Pesto Pasta with Chicken
This vibrant pasta dish combines zesty lemon, aromatic pesto, and tender chicken for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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When you're short on time but big on cravings for fresh, bright flavors, this Speedy Lemon Pesto Pasta with Chicken is your ultimate weeknight hero! It's unbelievably simple to prepare, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The zesty lemon and aromatic pesto create a delicious coating for the pasta and chicken, making every bite a delight.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Cherry tomatoes, halved, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the remaining water and set pasta aside.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Step 3
Reduce heat to low. Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken. Add the pesto, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat everything.
Step 4
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. If the sauce seems too thick, add another tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Step 5
Serve immediately, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! Just shred about 2 cups and add it to the pasta with the pesto.
- Don't be shy with the lemon juice – it really brightens up the whole dish.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes along with the pesto for extra color and nutrients.
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