Chicken pesto pasta is a simple and tasty dish that you can easily make at home. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a meal to impress your friends and family. How to make this flavorful dish, why it’s so popular, and tips to make it even better. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees a delicious meal.
Contents
What is Chicken Pesto Pasta?
Chicken pesto pasta is a dish made with pasta, chicken, and pesto sauce. The pesto sauce is a classic Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This sauce gives the pasta a fresh, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled or pan-fried chicken. The combination of these ingredients makes for a rich, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor.
The beauty of chicken pesto pasta lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. It’s a great dish to prepare for a busy weeknight or even a weekend dinner with friends and family.
Ingredients You Need
To make chicken pesto pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 200g of pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)
- 1/2 cup of pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
These ingredients come together to make a delicious dish that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare. You can use store-bought pesto if you’re short on time, or make your own fresh pesto if you prefer a more homemade touch.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta
Making chicken pesto pasta is easy and takes only about 30 minutes. Let’s break it down step by step, so you can enjoy this tasty dish in no time.
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a pot of water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to help the pasta cook evenly. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta. You can use any type of pasta you like, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Generally, this will take about 8-10 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. You can save a little bit of the pasta water to help thin out the pesto sauce later if needed.
2. Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked and golden brown. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
3. Mix Pasta and Pesto
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta and the pesto sauce. You can use store-bought pesto for convenience or make your own. Stir the pasta and pesto together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. The pesto sauce will add a fresh and herby flavor to the pasta.
4. Combine Chicken and Pasta
Now that the pasta is mixed with the pesto, add the sliced chicken on top. Gently toss everything together to combine the chicken with the pasta. This step helps ensure that every bite has a good balance of chicken and pesto.
5. Garnish and Serve
To finish off the dish, sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top. If you like, you can also add a few fresh basil leaves for garnish. This adds color and freshness to the dish. Serve the chicken pesto pasta warm, and enjoy the rich flavors!
Why is Chicken Pesto Pasta So Popular?
Chicken pesto pasta is loved by many for several reasons. First, it’s simple to make with ingredients that are easy to find. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-get ingredients. Most of the items can be found in your local grocery store, and it doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare.
The pesto sauce is another reason why people love this dish. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil creates a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta. The addition of parmesan cheese gives it an extra layer of richness that makes each bite irresistible.
Another reason for its popularity is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, swapping out the pasta, or even trying different proteins. Chicken is the most common meat used, but you can also use turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Pesto Pasta
1. Use Fresh Pesto
If you have the time, making homemade pesto is a great option. It tastes much fresher than store-bought pesto, and you can adjust the flavor to suit your preferences. To make your own pesto, blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil together until smooth. It’s easy to make and adds a personal touch to your dish.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
One of the most common mistakes when making pasta is overcooking it. Overcooked pasta can become soft and mushy, which doesn’t pair well with pesto. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, which means it should be firm when you bite into it. This texture is ideal for holding up to the pesto sauce.
3. Add Veggies
Want to make your chicken pesto pasta even healthier? Add some vegetables! Vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions to the dish. They add extra flavor and nutrition, and they pair perfectly with the pesto sauce.
4. Grill the Chicken
For an extra layer of flavor, consider grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying it. Grilled chicken has a smoky taste that adds depth to the dish. Plus, grilling is a great way to lock in the juices and keep the chicken tender.
5. Try Different Pasta Shapes
You don’t have to stick with spaghetti for this dish. Penne, fusilli, or fettuccine also work well with pesto sauce. Choose the pasta shape that you prefer, and enjoy the dish in a way that suits your tastes.
Is Chicken Pesto Pasta Healthy?
Yes, chicken pesto pasta can be a healthy option, depending on how you prepare it. Chicken is a great source of protein, and pesto contains healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts. You can make it even healthier by using whole-wheat pasta for added fiber. Additionally, adding vegetables like spinach or tomatoes will boost the nutritional value of the dish.
If you’re trying to watch your calorie intake, you can also make a lighter version of the dish by using less pesto sauce or substituting some of the olive oil with a lighter alternative.
Variations of Chicken Pesto Pasta
While the basic version of chicken pesto pasta is delicious, there are many ways to mix things up. Here are a few variations:
1. Chicken Pesto Pasta with Veggies
If you want to add some more nutrition to your meal, try adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These vegetables pair wonderfully with pesto and chicken, making the dish even more flavorful.
2. Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
For a creamier version of this dish, you can add a little heavy cream or cream cheese to the pesto sauce. This will give the pasta a rich, velvety texture that’s perfect for those who love creamy pasta dishes.
3. Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
If you’re looking for a cold pasta dish, try making a chicken pesto pasta salad. Let the pasta cool down, and then toss it with some fresh veggies and chicken. This makes for a great lunch or a picnic dish.
Conclusion
Chicken pesto pasta is a wonderful dish that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and very customizable. Whether you want to add vegetables, make it creamy, or keep it simple, this dish can be tailored to your tastes. Try making it for dinner tonight, and you’ll have a meal everyone will enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for chicken pesto pasta?
Yes, store-bought pesto works just fine and saves time. But homemade pesto will give it a fresher taste.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and zucchini go great with chicken pesto pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use other meats like turkey or shrimp if you prefer.
How can I make the dish creamy?
To make it creamy, you can add a little heavy cream or cream cheese to the pesto sauce.
