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Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

This easy chicken pesto pasta recipe is a quick and delicious meal featuring tender chicken, fresh pesto, and perfectly cooked pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta penne, fettuccine, or linguine
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup prepared pesto homemade or store-bought
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half optional, for a creamier sauce
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
  3. Cook the Chicken
  4. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s cooked through and golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Make the Sauce
  6. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the pesto and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
  7. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
  8. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the pesto sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  9. Add Parmesan and Serve
  10. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.