Description
A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh homemade basil pesto. This easy weeknight meal comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Additional Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Remove from pan.
- In food processor, pulse nuts until finely chopped. Add basil, garlic, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Pulse while slowly drizzling in olive oil until smooth.
- In same skillet, heat remaining 1 tbsp oil. Add cherry tomatoes and cook 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Return cooked pasta to pot. Add pesto, chicken, tomatoes, and reserved pasta water. Toss until well combined.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- For nut-free version: substitute sunflower seeds
- Vegetarian option: omit chicken or substitute with white beans
- Pesto can be made 3 days ahead – store with thin layer of oil on top
- Add spinach or arugula for extra greens
- Leftovers taste great cold as pasta salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 75mg