Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience with this incredibly delicious Chicken Pasta with Pesto and Pine Nuts! Imagine twirling your fork through perfectly cooked pasta, coated in vibrant green pesto, studded with tender chicken, and crowned with crunchy, golden pine nuts. This Italian-inspired dish isn't just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines creamy, nutty, and fresh elements in one irresistible plate that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and sliced
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is cooking, boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Typically, this takes 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This should take 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Slice the cooked chicken breast into thin, diagonal strips.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and pesto. Gently toss to ensure even coating. If the mixture seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to help distribute the pesto.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and fold them into the pasta mixture.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving platter. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional cracked black pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is still warm, enjoying the rich flavors of the pesto and the crunch of the pine nuts.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly toasted pine nuts - their aroma makes a huge difference!
- Don't overcook your pasta; aim for al dente to maintain the perfect texture.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining, as it helps create a silkier sauce when mixing with pesto.
- Use high-quality pesto for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juiciness.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for the most vibrant taste and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
