Pesto Chicken Penne Recipe
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dinner? This Pesto Chicken Penne Recipe is the perfect choice! Packed with tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and perfectly cooked penne, it’s a dish that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create this mouthwatering dish:
For the Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pesto Sauce
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Penne
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: To prevent the pasta from sticking, toss it with a teaspoon of olive oil after draining.
2. Prepare the Pesto Sauce
- In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic.
- Pulse until coarsely blended.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while processing until a smooth sauce forms.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tip: Make a double batch of pesto and freeze the extra in an ice cube tray for future meals!
3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Assemble the Dish
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Add the cooked penne, pesto sauce, and a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
- Creamy Twist: Add a splash of heavy cream to the pesto sauce for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
Storage and Reheating
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Pro Tip: Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can dry out the chicken and pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pesto Chicken Penne is:
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile – Customize it to suit your taste.
- Perfect for meal prep – Makes great leftovers.
Indulge in this delicious Pesto Chicken Penne Recipe tonight and watch it become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your creation and tag us on social media!
