Pesto Chicken Pasta Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal

July 2, 2025 by Emma

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? My Pesto Chicken Pasta is your answer! This dish combines tender chicken, rich basil pesto, and fresh ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a meal that impresses your family and friends. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking! Your new favorite dinner awaits.

Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 8 oz. penne pasta

– 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

– 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

When making pesto chicken pasta, each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken gives protein and makes the dish filling. Penne pasta is great for holding onto the pesto. The basil pesto adds flavor and freshness. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and color. Parmesan cheese adds that cheesy goodness. Toasted pine nuts give a nice crunch. Olive oil and garlic round out the flavors. Salt and pepper enhance everything. Lastly, fresh basil leaves make for a lovely garnish.

For the freshest taste, I love using homemade pesto. It brings a bright flavor that store-bought options can’t match. However, store-bought pesto can save time when you’re busy. No matter which you choose, this dish will impress.

You can find the full recipe at the end of the article for a step-by-step guide!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

To cook penne pasta perfectly, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally. Once done, drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of that starchy cooking water. This water helps bind your sauce later.

Preparing the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color. To check if the chicken is cooked through, slice it open. The meat should be white, not pink. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Combining Ingredients

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and smell great. Now, return the cooked pasta to the skillet. Add the chicken strips, basil pesto, and the reserved pasta water. Toss everything well until mixed. This helps all the flavors come together. Finally, sprinkle toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese over the top, tossing again to combine. Serve this dish hot and enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the link.

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

Using homemade pesto gives a fresher taste. I often make it with basil, garlic, and nuts. Store-bought pesto is great when you’re short on time. Just pick a brand with high-quality ingredients.

Toasting pine nuts adds a rich flavor. It only takes a few minutes in a dry skillet. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly. The toasty taste makes a big difference in your dish.

Cooking Techniques

Perfecting the skillet method is key for this meal. I heat my skillet to medium and add olive oil. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.

Adjusting the heat for chicken and pasta is important. Cook the chicken until golden brown. Then, turn down the heat to avoid burning the garlic and tomatoes. This way, everything cooks evenly and tastes great.

Serving Suggestions

Best sides to pair with Pesto Chicken Pasta include a light salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad adds crunch and freshness. Garlic bread complements the dish nicely and is easy to make.

To plate for presentation, use a large bowl or plate. Twirl the pasta for a nice look. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil. A touch of grated Parmesan on top makes it even better.

Variations

Dietary Adjustments

To make Pesto Chicken Pasta gluten-free, use gluten-free penne or another gluten-free pasta. These options work well and taste great. You can find these at most grocery stores.

For vegan alternatives, swap the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. These changes keep the dish flavorful and satisfying while meeting dietary needs.

Ingredient Swaps

If you want to try something different, substitute chicken with shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Tofu is another great option for a meatless meal.

You can also explore different pasta options. Try using whole wheat pasta, spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles. These swaps can change the texture and taste of your dish.

Flavor Variations

To enhance the flavor, add spices like red pepper flakes or herbs like oregano. This adds richness to the dish.

Incorporating seasonal vegetables, such as spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers, can brighten the pasta. These veggies not only add color but also extra nutrients. You can mix and match to find your favorite combination.

For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Pesto Chicken Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cool the pasta to room temperature before sealing. Place the container in the fridge right away. This helps prevent bacteria growth.

Reheating Instructions

When you reheat Pesto Chicken Pasta, do it gently. Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to trap steam. This will help warm it without drying out.

Freezing Tips

To freeze your Pesto Chicken Pasta, let it cool completely first. Place it in airtight freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. For best results, use it within three months. To thaw, put it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave on low power. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty.

Enjoy your delicious meal later with these easy storage tips! For the full recipe, check the main article.

FAQs

How long does Pesto Chicken Pasta last in the fridge?

Pesto Chicken Pasta can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to throw it out.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves time and is convenient. However, homemade pesto can taste fresher and more vibrant. Store-bought versions often contain preservatives. Check the label for quality. If you choose store-bought, select one with fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

What are some common mistakes to avoid?

Some common mistakes include overcooking the pasta or chicken. Always cook pasta until it is al dente. This keeps it firm and prevents mushiness. When cooking chicken, ensure it reaches 165°F for safety. Avoid adding too much pesto at once. Start with a little and adjust to taste. Lastly, remember to reserve some pasta water. It helps make the sauce creamy.

Full Recipe

For the full recipe, click [here](#).

This blog post covered ingredients, techniques, and tips for making Pesto Chicken Pasta. You learned how to cook the pasta, prepare the chicken, and combine everything for great flavor. We explored variations to suit different diets and storage tips to keep leftovers fresh.

In closing, cooking can be fun and easy. With these steps, you’ll make a tasty meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking!

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz. penne pasta - 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When making pesto chicken pasta, each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken gives protein and makes the dish filling. Penne pasta is great for holding onto the pesto. The basil pesto adds flavor and freshness. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and color. Parmesan cheese adds that cheesy goodness. Toasted pine nuts give a nice crunch. Olive oil and garlic round out the flavors. Salt and pepper enhance everything. Lastly, fresh basil leaves make for a lovely garnish. For the freshest taste, I love using homemade pesto. It brings a bright flavor that store-bought options can't match. However, store-bought pesto can save time when you're busy. No matter which you choose, this dish will impress. You can find the full recipe at the end of the article for a step-by-step guide! To cook penne pasta perfectly, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally. Once done, drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of that starchy cooking water. This water helps bind your sauce later. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color. To check if the chicken is cooked through, slice it open. The meat should be white, not pink. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and smell great. Now, return the cooked pasta to the skillet. Add the chicken strips, basil pesto, and the reserved pasta water. Toss everything well until mixed. This helps all the flavors come together. Finally, sprinkle toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese over the top, tossing again to combine. Serve this dish hot and enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the link. Using homemade pesto gives a fresher taste. I often make it with basil, garlic, and nuts. Store-bought pesto is great when you're short on time. Just pick a brand with high-quality ingredients. Toasting pine nuts adds a rich flavor. It only takes a few minutes in a dry skillet. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly. The toasty taste makes a big difference in your dish. Perfecting the skillet method is key for this meal. I heat my skillet to medium and add olive oil. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Adjusting the heat for chicken and pasta is important. Cook the chicken until golden brown. Then, turn down the heat to avoid burning the garlic and tomatoes. This way, everything cooks evenly and tastes great. Best sides to pair with Pesto Chicken Pasta include a light salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad adds crunch and freshness. Garlic bread complements the dish nicely and is easy to make. To plate for presentation, use a large bowl or plate. Twirl the pasta for a nice look. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil. A touch of grated Parmesan on top makes it even better. {{image_2}} To make Pesto Chicken Pasta gluten-free, use gluten-free penne or another gluten-free pasta. These options work well and taste great. You can find these at most grocery stores. For vegan alternatives, swap the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. These changes keep the dish flavorful and satisfying while meeting dietary needs. If you want to try something different, substitute chicken with shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Tofu is another great option for a meatless meal. You can also explore different pasta options. Try using whole wheat pasta, spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles. These swaps can change the texture and taste of your dish. To enhance the flavor, add spices like red pepper flakes or herbs like oregano. This adds richness to the dish. Incorporating seasonal vegetables, such as spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers, can brighten the pasta. These veggies not only add color but also extra nutrients. You can mix and match to find your favorite combination. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. To keep your Pesto Chicken Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cool the pasta to room temperature before sealing. Place the container in the fridge right away. This helps prevent bacteria growth. When you reheat Pesto Chicken Pasta, do it gently. Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to trap steam. This will help warm it without drying out. To freeze your Pesto Chicken Pasta, let it cool completely first. Place it in airtight freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. For best results, use it within three months. To thaw, put it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave on low power. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. Enjoy your delicious meal later with these easy storage tips! For the full recipe, check the main article. Pesto Chicken Pasta can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to throw it out. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves time and is convenient. However, homemade pesto can taste fresher and more vibrant. Store-bought versions often contain preservatives. Check the label for quality. If you choose store-bought, select one with fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Some common mistakes include overcooking the pasta or chicken. Always cook pasta until it is al dente. This keeps it firm and prevents mushiness. When cooking chicken, ensure it reaches 165°F for safety. Avoid adding too much pesto at once. Start with a little and adjust to taste. Lastly, remember to reserve some pasta water. It helps make the sauce creamy. For the full recipe, click [here](#). This blog post covered ingredients, techniques, and tips for making Pesto Chicken Pasta. You learned how to cook the pasta, prepare the chicken, and combine everything for great flavor. We explored variations to suit different diets and storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. In closing, cooking can be fun and easy. With these steps, you’ll make a tasty meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking!$