Weeknight • Pasta
Speedy Lemon Pesto Pasta with Chicken
This vibrant lemon pesto pasta with chicken comes together in a flash, perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Craving something bright, fresh, and satisfying that doesn't take forever? This Speedy Lemon Pesto Pasta with Chicken is your new best friend. We're talking tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a zesty pesto sauce that sings with lemon. It's truly a dish you'll want to put on repeat!
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 12 oz pasta of choice (Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work great)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup prepared basil pesto
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Step 3
Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned.
Step 4
Reduce heat to low. Stir in pesto, lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, and cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
Step 5
Add grated Parmesan cheese and a splash or two of the reserved pasta water (about ¼ cup) to make the sauce silky. Toss until everything is well coated.
Step 6
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.
Tips
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add a can of drained cannellini beans or roasted zucchini.
- If you like a creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream with the pesto.
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