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Savory Pesto Chicken Pasta

Delight in a Medley of Basil and Parmesan with Tender Chicken

4servings
30 min
Easy
Weeknight-friendly timingMacros ready to logFeeds a hungry crew
Savory Pesto Chicken Pasta

About this recipe

Indulge in this savory pesto chicken pasta, where homemade pesto melds perfectly with tender chicken and juicy cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish brings vibrant flavors and satisfying comfort to your table.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced

Directions

  1. 1

    Blend basil, Parmesan, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth.

  2. 2

    Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain.

  3. 3

    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add cooked chicken to tomatoes and mix until heated through.

  5. 5

    Mix the pesto with pasta water gradually into the skillet to form a sauce.

  6. 6

    Add pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated.

  7. 7

    Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

  8. 8

    Serve hot and enjoy your savory pesto chicken pasta!

Chef's tip

To make the pesto more vibrant, consider adding a touch of lemon juice. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency.

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