Irresistible Chicken Pesto Pasta
A quick and flavorful Italian-American dish made with tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, pasta, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta fettuccine or penne
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 lb (450 g)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated, for garnish
- fresh basil leaves optional garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove and let rest.
- In the same skillet, sauté cherry tomatoes for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Reduce heat, add cooked pasta, pesto, and reserved pasta water. Toss until pasta is coated.
- Slice rested chicken and place on top of pasta. Garnish with Parmesan and basil. Serve warm.
Notes
For variety, substitute sun-dried tomatoes, roasted vegetables, or use gluten-free pasta. Nutritional yeast works as a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.