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To make this quick dish, gather these main ingredients: - 8 oz (about 225g) penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into small cubes - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients create a tasty balance of flavors. The chicken adds protein. The pesto brings a fresh taste, while the pasta ties it all together. You can adjust the recipe to fit your taste. Consider these optional ingredients: - Spinach or arugula for extra greens - Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist - Pine nuts for a crunchy texture - Red pepper flakes for heat Feel free to mix and match! This flexibility makes the dish even more fun. To cook this meal, you’ll need a few essential tools: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for sautéing chicken - Measuring cups and spoons for accurate portions - Colander for draining pasta - Tongs or a spatula for tossing ingredients Having the right equipment makes cooking smooth and easy. Enjoy your time in the kitchen as you whip up this delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This step is key for flavor. Once the water bubbles, add 8 ounces of penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta but save a little pasta water. Set it aside for later. Now, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of cubed chicken breast to the pan. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, plus some salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to turn golden brown and be fully cooked. This step gives your dish a nice depth of flavor. Lower the heat and add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in 1 cup of basil pesto and toss everything together. If the pasta looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This helps to make the sauce creamy. Next, gently stir in 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Mixing these in adds a fresh burst of flavor. Finally, serve the pesto chicken pasta in bowls. Top each bowl with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your meal! To cook chicken just right, start with small cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. Look for a golden brown color. Always check that the chicken is no longer pink inside. This means it's fully cooked and safe to eat. Simple seasonings can make a big difference. Use garlic powder for a nice touch. Salt and pepper enhance the chicken’s natural flavor. When you add the basil pesto, it brings freshness and depth. If you want more flavor, try adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Don't forget to taste your dish before serving. Adjust seasonings to match your preference. Presentation matters, even for quick meals. Use shallow bowls for serving. This gives an elegant look. Top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese. It adds richness and a nice visual touch. A drizzle of olive oil on top makes the dish shine. Finally, add fresh basil leaves to brighten the plate. This not only looks good but also enhances the flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Pesto: If possible, opt for homemade pesto made with fresh basil for a vibrant flavor boost. Cooking Chicken Evenly: Ensure that chicken cubes are similar in size for even cooking and texture. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta cooking water; it’s great for adjusting sauce consistency. Garnish Smartly: Enhance presentation with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of balsamic reduction. {{image_2}} If you need a gluten-free meal, swap penne pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. Brown rice or chickpea pasta works well. They cook in similar times, so it's easy. Just check cooking instructions on the package. Want a meatless dish? Use firm tofu instead of chicken. Cut the tofu into small cubes and cook it just like the chicken. Sauté it until it's golden brown. This option is healthy and full of protein. You can also add a dash of soy sauce for extra flavor. Boost your dish by adding seasonal veggies. Spinach or zucchini adds color and nutrition. You can add these right after the chicken. Cook them until soft, then mix in the pasta. Cherry tomatoes are already in the recipe, but feel free to add bell peppers or asparagus for a fresh twist. After enjoying your pesto chicken pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the pasta before sealing it. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, don’t forget to label the container with the date. To reheat, you have a few options. For a quick method, use the microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to help keep it moist. Heat it for one minute, then stir and check if it needs more time. If you prefer the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the pasta and a few drops of olive oil. Stir often until warmed through. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Place the cooled pasta in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it using the stovetop or microwave method. Enjoy a tasty meal without much fuss! Making homemade pesto is simple. You need fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Here’s how: 1. Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, add 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of pine nuts, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. 2. Add Olive Oil: While blending, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of olive oil until smooth. 3. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. This pesto is fresh and bright. It’s perfect for your pasta! Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Penne works well, but here are some options: - Spaghetti: A classic choice that holds sauce well. - Fusilli: Its spiral shape catches the pesto nicely. - Gluten-Free Pasta: If you need gluten-free options, look for rice or corn pasta. Feel free to choose what you enjoy most! If you want to swap chicken, here are some great choices: - Turkey: Ground turkey or turkey breast works well. - Tofu: Firm tofu is perfect for a vegetarian meal. Just cube and sauté. - Shrimp: Cooked shrimp adds a nice seafood twist. These options keep your meal tasty and fun! Pesto chicken pasta is simple and tasty. You learned about ingredients, steps, and tips. Customizing this dish is easy and fun with many options. Remember to store leftovers properly for future meals. You can enjoy this recipe with gluten-free or vegetarian choices. Use what you have and make it your own. Cooking should be enjoyable, not hard. Happy cooking!

Quick & Zesty Pesto Chicken Pasta

A delicious and easy pasta dish featuring chicken and basil pesto.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into small cubes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  • Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Add the basil pesto and toss everything together. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
  • Gently stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and mix them through the pasta for a burst of freshness.
  • Divide the pesto chicken pasta into serving bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls for an elegant look. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and sprinkle more Parmesan for added visual appeal. A few extra basil leaves make for a vibrant garnish!
Keyword chicken, pasta, pesto, quick meal