Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite—Pasta Pesto with Chicken and Tomatoes! This vibrant dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of fresh flavors that come together in just 30 minutes. Imagine tender pasta enveloped in aromatic basil pesto, succulent chicken, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all crowned with crunchy toasted pine nuts. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to wow your guests, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Choose your preferred pasta shape, such as penne, fusilli, or linguine.
- While water is heating, prepare the chicken. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Let rest for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized cubes.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside. Ensure they are ripe and vibrant for best flavor.
- Drain pasta and return to the pot. Add basil pesto, diced chicken, and halved cherry tomatoes. Gently toss to combine, using reserved pasta water if needed to help sauce coat evenly.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the pasta. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While any pasta shape works, opt for one with ridges like penne or fusilli to help capture the pesto sauce better.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure juicy chicken, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Letting it rest before dicing allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta cooking water! Adding a splash can help your pesto adhere better to the pasta, creating a silky sauce.
- Toast Pine Nuts Carefully: Keep a close eye on your pine nuts while toasting; they can go from golden to burnt in seconds. Stir them frequently for even toasting.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use ripe cherry tomatoes and high-quality basil pesto. Fresh basil leaves as a garnish can elevate the dish even further!
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add other ingredients like spinach, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it immediately after tossing to ensure the pasta and toppings are at their peak flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
