Pesto Pasta with Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with the vibrant flavors of basil pesto. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Combine pasta and pesto: In the same skillet, add the cooked pasta and basil pesto. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the pesto. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
4. Add chicken and tomatoes: Add the cooked chicken pieces and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until heated through.
5. Serve: Transfer the pesto pasta with chicken to serving plates or bowls. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each portion and garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Tips:

• You can customize this dish by adding additional vegetables such as spinach, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• For a creamy pesto pasta, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or cream cheese when combining the pasta with the pesto.
• Adjust the amount of pesto according to your preference for stronger or milder basil flavor.

This Pesto Pasta with Chicken makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!