Description
This Chicken Pesto Pasta is a creamy, comforting dinner made with juicy chicken breast, fresh basil pesto, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400 g penne pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 500 g), sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add pesto and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Pour in reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return chicken to the pan and add cooked pasta. Toss well to coat.
- Add cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve warm with fresh basil.
Notes
Use homemade pesto for deeper flavor. Add spinach or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg