Pesto Chicken Pasta, a one-pot delight, combines tender chicken, pesto sauce, penne, seasonings, Parmesan, nuts, and herbs. Ideal for Italian cuisine lovers, it's great as a standalone meal or paired with a salad or veggies for lunch or dinner.
Start by mixing thinly sliced chicken breast with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pesto sauce in a bowl.
Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat and add your marinated chicken breast.
Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Make sure it's thoroughly cooked by checking that the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
After the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan, slice it, and set it aside for later.
In the same pan, add a tablespoon of butter and sauté the onion and garlic until they become aromatic.
Add the pasta and chicken broth to the pan. Stir well and let the pasta cook until it has absorbed the chicken broth.
Pour in the heavy cream and mix thoroughly. Continue to cook the pasta until it is tender, remembering to stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
When the pasta is tender, add black pepper, chili flakes, and Parmesan cheese, and mix everything well.
Now it's time to add the pesto sauce, the previously cooked sliced chicken breast, and sun-dried tomatoes (you can use whole or chopped tomatoes as well).
To finish, garnish the pasta with coriander leaves and toasted pine nuts before removing it from the heat.
To Serve
Enjoy our creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with sliced cherry tomatoes for a satisfying meal. Elevate it with crusty bread, roasted veggies, or sautéed dishes as sides for a well-rounded dining experience.
Notes
To make your Chicken Pesto Pasta truly outstanding, here are some practical tips:
Thinly Slice the Chicken Breast: Slicing the chicken thinly ensures it cooks faster and more evenly, yielding tender and juicy pieces.
Season the Chicken Properly: Enhance the chicken's flavor by seasoning it with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a touch of salt.
Marinate the Chicken (If Time Allows): Marinating the chicken in pesto sauce and seasonings for at least 10 minutes adds an extra layer of flavor.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure thorough cooking by checking the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) as per FDA guidelines.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta until it's al dente, retaining a slight bite to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Stir Occasionally: Stir the pasta from time to time during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: Tailor the creaminess of your sauce by adding more chicken broth or heavy cream as needed.