Easy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta

This gem of a recipe, Easy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta, is one of those go-to dishes that feel like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually did. The stars of the show? Juicy chicken, fresh and zingy basil pesto, and pasta that tastes like a warm hug. It’s the lifeline we didn’t know we needed on those nights when cooking feels like sprinting a marathon with both shoes untied.🙂 Now, what makes this so special is its versatility and how it caters to everyone from picky kids to adults craving gourmet flavors at home. Just trust me, you’re about to fall head over heels for this.

Once upon a time, in my bustling chaotic household, this recipe decided it was time to shine. Imagine my husband, who normally insists on his beloved steak nights, reaching for seconds and maybe even thirds of this pasta — it’s nothing short of a miracle, really. Then there’s our little one who, somehow, without fail, manages to make every mealtime a battle of wills. But with this, she’s happy as a clam, slurping up noodles and leaving a pesto Picasso on her face. Your family might just declare you the reigning dinner hero after trying this one!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta

– It’s got that “Effortlessly Delicious” vibe: You’re not sweating over the stove like you’re on a cooking show. Nope, it’s just you, your pasta pot, and kitchen jamming tunes.
– Customizable for picky eaters: Got a veggie-phobic at home? Chuck in some hidden greens! Adult flavor enthusiast? Extra garlic and pine nuts can do wonders.
– Perfect leftover game: Find those pasta leads the next day make even Monday mornings a little more bearable. Cold pasta for lunch? Say no more.

How to Make It

Alright, here’s the deal. First, you’re gonna cook up some pasta, and yeah, don’t forget a spoonful of salt in the boiling water unless bland is your vibe. Meanwhile, grab those chicken breasts. A little salt, a pinch of pepper, and into the pan they go. Once they’re golden, take a breath — it’s all coming together. Toss that pasta with some fresh basil pesto until it looks like green magic, then mix in your chicken chunks. And just because we can, sprinkle some Parmesan like it’s confetti. Serve it up hot and watch the pasta magic unfold right in your very kitchen.

Ingredient Notes

– Pasta: I might have a personal vendetta against angel hair — tends to get mushy! Stick to something heartier, like penne or bowties.
– Chicken Breast: I’ve tried slimming it down with thighs. Sure, it tastes okay, but it does change the vibe. Stick with breast if you want chicken royalty.
– Basil Pesto: Homemade? Go you! The jarred stuff’s fine too when life gets busy. Just once, I used sage instead of basil and, uh, not my finest moment.

Recipe Steps:

1. Boil water with a pinch of salt and cook pasta until al dente.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook in a pan until golden brown.
3. In a large bowl, combine pasta with basil pesto and mix well.
4. Add cooked chicken to the pesto pasta and toss again.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

Let’s talk about chicken. Don’t you hate it when it’s dry? Key is medium heat and patience — not that I’m very patient, but it’s good advice. Oh, and if you overflow the pot with pasta (yep, been there), just embrace the mess.

Storage Tips

Wanna know the best thing? Leftovers. Stick this in an airtight container, and you’re golden for up to three days. Cold pasta haters, don’t fret — microwave it gently with a splash of water. Or rebel a little and breakfast with cold pasta; I’m not judging.

Variations and Substitutions

Out of pesto? Try a sun-dried tomato spread. Want more zing? More cherry tomatoes or a squeeze of lemon do the trick. When the fridge looks like a barren wasteland, improvise with frozen peas. Nope, not perfect, but strangely comforting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta

This delicious and creamy basil pesto chicken pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, combining fresh basil pesto with tender chicken and al dente pasta.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 12 oz penne pasta
• ▢ 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
• ▢ 1 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
• ▢ 0.25 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
• ▢ 2 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 1 clove garlic minced
• ▢ 0.5 tsp salt
• ▢ 0.25 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
• Reduce heat to low and stir in the basil pesto. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
• Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice.