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Irresistible Pesto Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy pesto chicken pasta recipe that combines fresh basil pesto, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
  • 12 ounces penne or your favorite short pasta (gluten-free pasta works too)
  • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (30g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (50g), plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (120ml)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (60ml)
  • Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set pasta aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, combine 2 cups fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice in a food processor. Pulse a few times to chop.
  3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil until the pesto is smooth but still has some texture. If too thick, add a teaspoon of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken breasts, seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Stir in the prepared pesto and 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half. Toss everything gently over low heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and well coated. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Notes

Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender. Toast pine nuts to enhance flavor. Use fresh basil for best pesto taste. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Toss everything on low heat to preserve pesto’s vibrant color and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto chicken pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, Italian pasta, creamy pesto, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/irresistible-pesto-chicken-pasta-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-dinner/