Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is made of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy pesto sauce, topped with crunchy nuts for extra texture. It serves 4, takes about 30 minutes, and is a delightful meal for any occasion.
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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe:
- Quick and Easy Preparation for Busy Schedules: This Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute meal plan.
- Rich, Comforting Flavor That Delights Every Palate: The combination of aromatic basil pesto, tender chicken, and savory Parmesan cheese creates a flavor profile that’s both rich and comforting.
- Elegant Presentation for Special Occasions: With its vibrant green sauce, golden chicken slices, and crunchy nut topping, this dish looks as impressive as it tastes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for hosting dinner parties.
- Nutty Crunch for a Perfect Texture Contrast: The toasted nuts sprinkled on top provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pesto sauce and tender pasta.
❓ What Is Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe?
Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring pasta, chicken, and a rich basil pesto sauce, often topped with Parmesan and toasted nuts. It’s a simple yet elegant meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for creamier texture)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup toasted nuts (pine nuts or walnuts)
- Salt and pepper to taste
🍝 Instructions:
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, cook in olive oil until golden, then slice thinly.
- In a large skillet, warm pesto with heavy cream over low heat for a creamy sauce.
- Add pasta and chicken to the skillet, toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and toasted nuts on top before serving.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients for Maximum Flavor: Fresh basil pesto is the heart of this dish. It brings a vibrant and aromatic flavor that pre-packaged alternatives can’t match.
- Customize the Protein for Different Preferences: While chicken is a classic choice, this recipe is highly versatile. You can swap the chicken for shrimp, salmon, or tofu to cater to dietary preferences.
- Toast the Nuts for Enhanced Aroma and Crunch: Toasting nuts such as pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds in a dry skillet before adding them to the dish significantly enhances their flavor and texture.
- Save Pasta Water for Sauce Consistency: Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining your pasta. Adding this water to the pesto sauce helps loosen it and ensures it coats the pasta evenly.
🥗 What To Serve With Chicken Pesto Pasta?
Serve Chicken Pesto Pasta with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini pair it with a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a complete, satisfying meal.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Chicken Pesto Pasta?
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
- Freezing: Freeze Chicken Pesto Pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Pesto Pasta?
- In The Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish covering with a damp paper towel, and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- In The Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to prevent drying out for up 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for Chicken Pesto Pasta?
Yes, store-bought pesto is a convenient option for Chicken Pesto Pasta. Ensure you choose a high-quality pesto with fresh basil and good olive oil for the best flavor. Homemade pesto can also elevate the dish if you have time.
What type of pasta works best for Chicken Pesto Pasta?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bow-tie works best for Chicken Pesto Pasta because their shapes hold the sauce well. However, spaghetti or linguine can also be used for a different texture.
Can I make Chicken Pesto Pasta gluten-free?
Yes, Chicken Pesto Pasta can be made gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Many stores carry options like rice, corn, or chickpea-based pasta, which work wonderfully in this dish.
How do I keep Chicken Pesto Pasta from drying out when reheating?
To prevent Chicken Pesto Pasta from drying out, add a splash of water, broth, or cream before reheating. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture.
How can I make Chicken Pesto Pasta creamier?
To make Chicken Pesto Pasta creamier, add a splash of heavy cream, cream cheese, or mascarpone to the pesto sauce. This gives the dish a luscious texture and richer flavor.
Why is my Chicken Pesto Pasta sticky?
Chicken Pesto Pasta can become sticky if the pasta is overcooked or not tossed immediately with the sauce. Save some pasta water to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
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Chicken Pesto Pasta Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Plate
- Calories: 451
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Description
Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is made of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy pesto sauce, topped with crunchy nuts for extra texture. It serves 4, takes about 30 minutes, and is a delightful meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, cook in olive oil until golden, then slice thinly.
- In a large skillet, warm pesto with heavy cream over low heat for a creamy sauce.
- Add pasta and chicken to the skillet, toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and toasted nuts on top before serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients for Maximum Flavor: Fresh basil pesto is the heart of this dish. It brings a vibrant and aromatic flavor that pre-packaged alternatives can’t match.
Customize the Protein for Different Preferences: While chicken is a classic choice, this recipe is highly versatile. You can swap the chicken for shrimp, salmon, or tofu to cater to dietary preferences.
Toast the Nuts for Enhanced Aroma and Crunch: Toasting nuts such as pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds in a dry skillet before adding them to the dish significantly enhances their flavor and texture.
Save Pasta Water for Sauce Consistency: Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining your pasta. Adding this water to the pesto sauce helps loosen it and ensures it coats the pasta evenly.