Chicken Pesto Pasta

This Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy right to your table. Perfect for a cozy date night or a quick weeknight dinner, this creamy pasta is ready in just 20 minutes. With its rich basil pesto and tender chicken pieces, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Creamy Comfort: The combination of heavy cream and parmesan cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Sun-dried tomatoes and basil pesto add layers of flavor that elevate this simple recipe.
• Easy Cleanup: With mostly one-pot cooking, you’ll spend less time cleaning up afterward.

Tools and Preparation

Before we dive into the recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large non-stick skillet
• Medium pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large non-stick skillet: Ensures even cooking without sticking, making it easy to sauté the chicken and combine ingredients.
• Medium pot: Perfect for boiling pasta; choose one with ample space to avoid overcrowding.
• Colander: Essential for draining pasta while retaining some cooking water for sauce adjustments.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces penne pasta, (preferably with ridges)

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, (plus more for serving if you like)
• 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, (drained if packed in oil)
• 1/2 cup basil pesto, (homemade or quality store-bought, plus more if you like)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Handful of torn basil leaves, (for garnish)

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Add the chicken to a bowl and season with the Italian seasoning along with a big pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Salt it generously with about 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions, which should take about 8 to 9 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook, tossing occasionally, until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through—approximately 7 to 8 minutes.

Step 4: Drain the Pasta

Once your pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water before draining it in a colander.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Lower the heat on your skillet with chicken. Stir in the drained pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. If needed, add small amounts of reserved pasta water (a couple tablespoons at a time) until you achieve a glossy sauce that thoroughly coats the pasta.

Step 6: Add Pesto and Serve

Remove your skillet from heat. Stir in the basil pesto until evenly distributed throughout the dish. Finish by sprinkling additional grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, and torn basil leaves on top before serving.

Enjoy this comforting Chicken Pesto Pasta that brings Italian flavors right into your home!

How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pasta

This Chicken Pesto Pasta is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Family Style

• Present the pasta in a large bowl and let everyone serve themselves. This creates a warm, communal atmosphere.

Individual Bowls

• For a more refined approach, serve the pasta in individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with extra parmesan and fresh basil for visual appeal.

With Fresh Bread

• Pair the dish with crusty bread or garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Salad on the Side

• Serve with a light salad, such as a mixed greens salad. This adds freshness and balances the richness of the pasta.

Wine Pairing (Non-Alcoholic)

• For a refreshing drink, offer sparkling water or non-alcoholic wine alternatives that complement the flavors of the dish.

How to Perfect Chicken Pesto Pasta

Getting your Chicken Pesto Pasta just right is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Quality Ingredients – Fresh basil pesto and high-quality parmesan make all the difference in flavor.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente – Ensure you cook your pasta just until al dente for the best texture in your dish.
• Reserve Pasta Water – Don’t forget to save some pasta cooking water; it helps create a creamy sauce.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste and adjust seasoning towards the end; sometimes a little more salt or pepper can elevate the dish.
• Garnish Generously – Finish with torn basil leaves and additional parmesan for an attractive presentation and added flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Pesto Pasta

Enhance your meal with these delicious side dishes that pair well with Chicken Pesto Pasta. Each option complements the main dish perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy on the outside and soft inside, ideal for dipping into the creamy sauce.
2. Caprese Salad – A fresh mix of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze brings brightness to your meal.
3. Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add color and nutrition; simply toss them on the grill.
4. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing offers a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
5. Roasted Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus spears roasted until tender provide a sophisticated touch.
6. Steamed Broccoli – Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and health benefits to your plate.
7. Antipasto Platter – A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses makes for an appealing appetizer before the main course.
8. Fruit Salad – A light, refreshing fruit salad can cleanse your palate after the rich flavors of pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Pesto Pasta, even small errors can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping salt in pasta water: Not salting the boiling water can result in bland pasta. Always add a good amount of salt to enhance flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for a golden brown exterior while keeping it juicy inside.
• Using low-quality pesto: Poor quality pesto can affect the dish’s taste. Opt for homemade or a reputable store brand for the best flavor.
• Neglecting to reserve pasta water: Forgetting to save some pasta cooking water means you might miss out on achieving a creamy sauce. Always set aside a cup before draining.
• Not adjusting seasonings: Every ingredient brings its own flavor, so don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings as you mix everything together.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Pesto Pasta in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Place Chicken Pesto Pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; label with the date for reference.

Reheating Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of reserved pasta water to a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the pasta and cook until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Pesto Pasta?

Chicken Pesto Pasta is a creamy dish made with cooked chicken, pesto sauce, and pasta, often enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and cheese.

Can I use other types of pasta for Chicken Pesto Pasta?

Yes! While penne is great, you can substitute with fusilli, farfalle, or any shape you prefer.

Is Chicken Pesto Pasta healthy?

Chicken Pesto Pasta can be part of a balanced diet. You can lighten it up by using whole grain pasta and reducing cream.

How do I make Chicken Pesto Pasta more flavorful?

Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers or using freshly grated cheese for added richness and depth of flavor.

Can I make Chicken Pesto Pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it earlier in the day or freeze it for later meals. Just follow proper storage guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Pesto Pasta is not just quick but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spice level. It’s an enjoyable dish that everyone will love—give it a try!