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Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Pesto Chicken Pasta combines tender grilled chicken with vibrant basil pesto and al dente pasta for a quick, flavorful Italian-inspired meal perfect for any weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove from heat and slice thinly.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and basil pesto sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
  6. If using, gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes.
  7. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving or toss in toasted pine nuts for added texture.