Description
Rich and vibrant, this Pesto Pasta with Chicken brings the flavors of Italy straight to your table, featuring aromatic basil pesto, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 120 g (1/2 cup) fresh basil pesto
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving 60 ml (1/4 cup) of pasta water.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Combine the drained pasta with the chicken and garlic in the skillet. Pour in the pesto and reserved pasta water. Toss together for 1–2 minutes over low heat.
- Remove from heat, then stir in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot, garnished with extra Parmesan.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with cubed tofu or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad and chilled white wine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 75mg