Delicious and Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups of rotini pasta
1/2 cup of pesto sauce
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until they are no longer pink in the center, about 6-7 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to cool.
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Once the chicken has cooled, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Return the skillet to medium heat and add the cooked pasta, cut chicken, and pesto sauce. Stir until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the sauce.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and continue to stir until they are warmed through. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the pasta with the grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil.
Serve the pasta warm, adding additional salt and pepper to taste if needed.

Tools for making

Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the chicken breasts.
Large pot - A large pot is required to cook the rotini pasta.
Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping and handling the chicken breasts while cooking.
Knife - A knife is needed to cut the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the pasta and sauce.
Grater - A grater is necessary to grate the parmesan cheese.
Cutting board - A cutting board is needed to safely chop the fresh basil.
Colander - A colander is useful for draining the cooked pasta.
Measuring cups - Measuring cups are required to accurately measure the pesto sauce and grated parmesan cheese.

Recipe variations

Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or grilled salmon for a seafood variation.
Replace the rotini pasta with penne, fusilli, or any other preferred pasta shape.
Try using a different sauce such as sun-dried tomato pesto or creamy alfredo sauce instead of traditional pesto sauce.
Add some vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrients.
For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add some roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
Incorporate some nuts like toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or dietary restriction-friendly version.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as oregano, thyme, or red pepper flakes to customize the flavor profile.
Garnish the dish with some shaved parmesan cheese or drizzle with balsamic glaze to enhance the presentation and taste.

Recipe overview

This Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe is a delightful mix of savory flavors and satisfying textures. It begins with juicy, tender chicken breasts that are seasoned to perfection and sautéed in olive oil. The chicken is then combined with rotini pasta that has been cooked just until al dente, ensuring the perfect bite. The dish is brought together with a fragrant pesto sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken, while halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of fresh flavor. A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil add the final touches to this easy yet impressive dish. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Chicken Pesto Pasta is sure to be a hit!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute rotini pasta with any other pasta shape of your preference.
Can I use store-bought pesto sauce? Absolutely! Store-bought pesto sauce works just as well in this recipe. However, if you prefer homemade pesto, you can use that too.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Certainly! Chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts if you prefer dark meat.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes? Yes, you can substitute sun-dried tomatoes for cherry tomatoes if you enjoy their flavor. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the pasta.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken pesto pasta ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just make sure to reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting Board - Needed for cutting and preparing the chicken.
Knife - Used for cutting the chicken and other ingredients.
Skillet - Used for cooking the chicken and pasta.
Large Pot - Used for boiling the pasta.
Spatula - Helpful for flipping and stirring the chicken while cooking.
Colander - Used for draining the cooked pasta.
Grater - Needed for grating the parmesan cheese.
Measuring Cups - Used to measure the pesto sauce, grated parmesan cheese, and other ingredients.
Stirring Spoon - Helpful for stirring the pasta, chicken, and sauce together.
Tongs - Useful for handling the chicken while cooking and cutting.

Origin stories

Pesto, a key ingredient in this dish, is a culinary gift from Genoa, a city in the Liguria region of Northern Italy. This savory sauce, known for its vibrant green color, is traditionally made using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, coarse salt, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and a good drizzle of olive oil. Traditionally, all these ingredients were ground in a marble mortar with a wooden pestle, hence the name Pesto, which comes from the Italian verb "pestare" meaning to pound or crush. Although Pesto Pasta is a global favorite now, it remains a source of pride for Genoese people who still hold an annual competition for the best traditional pesto made exclusively with a mortar and pestle. The addition of chicken to the pasta, however, is a more modern, and particularly American, twist on the traditional Italian dish.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.