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Chicken Pesto Pasta

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Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick and delicious dish combining juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant basil pesto. Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz cooked pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli, or spaghetti)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach
  • Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice or cube.
  4. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
  5. Return chicken to skillet. Add cooked pasta and stir in pesto. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce and coat evenly.
  6. If using, stir in cherry tomatoes, spinach, or heavy cream. Cook for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
  7. Top with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for an even quicker meal.Reserve pasta water to help achieve a silky sauce consistency.Customize with veggies or switch proteins to suit your taste.For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or cream cheese.Serve hot or cold as a pasta salad variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/chicken-pesto-pasta-recepe/