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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The main ingredients give this dish its heart. The chicken adds protein, while the penne pasta provides a great base. You can use homemade or store-bought basil pesto, which brings a fresh taste. The grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully, adding creaminess. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and flavor. In addition, olive oil helps cook the chicken and garlic. Garlic gives a nice aroma and flavor. Red pepper flakes can add a little heat if you like spice. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper for balance. Fresh basil leaves make your dish look and taste bright. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a tasty meal. Each one plays a role in making Parmesan chicken pesto pasta a savory delight. First, boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water. Use enough water to cover the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. When done, drain the pasta but save ½ cup of the pasta water. This water helps to make the sauce creamy later. Next, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure they are cooked through and not pink inside. After cooking, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting helps keep the juices inside. Now, let's sauté the garlic. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic tastes bitter. After that, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. They will add a nice flavor to the dish. Finally, it's time to mix everything together. Add the cooked pasta and the basil pesto to the skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything gently until well combined. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Make sure the pasta is coated nicely with the pesto. Slice the rested chicken and place it on top of the pasta. You can toss it all together or serve the chicken on top for a nice look. To avoid overcooking the chicken, always use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F. Cook the chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side. This keeps it juicy and tender. Balancing flavors is key. Use just the right amount of salt and pepper. Start with a little, then taste. Add more if needed. Remember, the cheese and pesto also add saltiness. For an elegant look, use a large bowl to serve. Twirl the pasta in the center, then layer the sliced chicken on top. This makes the dish pop. Garnishes can enhance flavor and beauty. Sprinkle more grated Parmesan on top. Add fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. A drizzle of olive oil can add a nice shine, too. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Just sauté it for a few minutes until it turns pink. Tofu is great for a plant-based meal. Use firm tofu, and cook it until golden brown. This dish fits many diets, so feel free to adapt. Try different flavors for your pesto. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet twist. Spinach can give a fresh taste. If you need a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. For nut-free pesto, replace nuts with seeds like sunflower seeds. These changes keep the dish fun and exciting. To keep your Parmesan chicken pesto pasta fresh, follow these easy steps. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature. This prevents condensation in the container. Use an airtight container for storage. Place the leftover pasta inside and seal it tightly. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it's best to toss it out. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Start by portioning the pasta into individual servings. This makes it easy to take out only what you need. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the pasta for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, take the pasta out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. To reheat, place it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. Enjoy a delicious meal with great texture, just like the first time! To make pesto, blend these ingredients in a food processor: - 2 cups fresh basil leaves - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - ⅓ cup pine nuts - 2 cloves garlic - ½ cup olive oil - Salt to taste Blend until smooth. This fresh pesto adds great flavor to your dish. Yes, you can try different pasta types. Here are some good options: - Fusilli - Farfalle - Spaghetti - Orzo Each shape offers a unique texture and can make your dish fun. To reduce the heat, simply leave out the red pepper flakes. You can also: - Use less garlic - Add more cheese for creaminess - Serve with a side of yogurt These tips help balance the flavors without losing taste. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! Follow these tips: - Store leftovers in airtight containers. - Keep the chicken and pasta separate to prevent sogginess. - Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove. This way, you enjoy a tasty meal throughout the week! This recipe for Parmesan Chicken Pesto Pasta combines tasty ingredients and easy steps. You learned how to cook perfectly tender chicken, sauté garlic, and cherry tomatoes, and mix it all with pasta and pesto. Remember to try your own flavor twists with different proteins or pesto variations. With the tips shared, you can present this dish beautifully. Whether for a family meal or meal prep, this dish is a winner. Enjoy your cooking journey with these delightful flavors!

Parmesan Chicken Pesto Pasta

Elevate your dinner with this delicious Parmesan Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe! Featuring tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil pesto, this dish is sure to impress. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Click to discover how to make this easy and satisfying pasta dish that brings a taste of Italy right to your table!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 oz penne pasta

1 cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

    Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

      Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the cooked pasta and pesto to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined.

          Finish the Dish: Slice the chicken breasts and place them on top of the pasta mixture. Toss gently to incorporate the chicken or serve on top for a more elegant presentation.

            Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4 servings