Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Pesto Pasta with Chicken is a delicious dish combining pasta, typically penne or fusilli, with a creamy pesto sauce and tender pieces of chicken. It’s a popular Italian-inspired dish where the pesto sauce, made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, coats the pasta and chicken, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. Sometimes, additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or roasted peppers are added to enhance the flavor profile. It’s often garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving. Would you like a recipe for it?

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
   • In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Reduce the heat to low. Add the pesto sauce and heavy cream (if using) to the skillet. Stir until heated through and well combined.
4. Combine Pasta and Chicken:
   • Add the cooked pasta and cooked chicken back into the skillet with the pesto sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.
5. Finish and Serve:
   • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
   • Serve hot, optionally with additional Parmesan cheese on the side.

Enjoy your delicious Pesto Pasta with Chicken! Adjust the ingredients and seasoning according to your taste preferences.