Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe – A Fresh and Flavorful Italian Classic

Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe – The Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is a perfect blend of freshness, richness, and comfort — a dish that celebrates the best of Italian cuisine. Combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and aromatic basil pesto, this meal delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels gourmet but is easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.

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Recipe Overview

• Dish Name: Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

• Cuisine: Italian

• Course: Main Course / Dinner

• Servings: 4

• Calories: ~520 per serving

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Resting Time: 0 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Pasta:

• 10 ounces (280g) pasta (penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or your choice)

• Salt for boiling water

For the Pesto Sauce:

(You can use homemade or store-bought pesto)

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a cheaper option)

• 2 garlic cloves

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Extra-grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil leaves

• Cherry tomatoes (optional, for freshness)

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Skillet or frying pan for cooking chicken

• Food processor or blender for making pesto

• Wooden spoon or tongs

• Knife and cutting board

• Mixing bowl

• Grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).

3. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

4. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on the pasta to prevent it from sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

4. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Remove from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips or cubes.

Tip: If you prefer extra flavor, you can also grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it.

Step 3: Make the Pesto (if homemade)

1. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts.

2. Pulse until finely chopped.

3. Add Parmesan cheese and pulse again.

4. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency.

5. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

Note: If your pesto seems too thick, add a tablespoon of pasta water to thin it slightly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. In the same skillet (used for chicken), reduce the heat to low.

2. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the pan.

3. Pour in the pesto sauce and gently toss to coat everything evenly.

4. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce cling to the pasta.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan cheese.

2. Add cherry tomatoes or a few fresh basil leaves for color and freshness.

3. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil for extra richness.

4. Serve warm and enjoy your Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe masterpiece!

Flavor Profile of Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

1. Fresh and Herby:

   • The basil pesto provides a refreshing, vibrant green flavor.

2. Savory and Nutty:

   • Parmesan and pine nuts add richness and depth.

3. Tender and Juicy:

   • The seared chicken gives protein and a satisfying bite.

4. Creamy Yet Light:

   • Olive oil and cheese create a smooth coating without feeling heavy.

5. Bright and Zesty:

   • A touch of lemon balances the richness with a hint of acidity.

Conclusion

The Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is the perfect example of simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavor. The harmony between tender chicken, fragrant basil pesto, and perfectly cooked pasta makes this dish both comforting and refreshing. It’s quick to prepare, full of wholesome ingredients, and versatile enough for any occasion — from a family dinner to an elegant lunch.