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.

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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

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Instructions

1. Cook the Penne

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente.
3. 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.

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2. Prepare the Pesto Sauce

1. In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic.
2. Pulse until coarsely blended.
3. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while processing until a smooth sauce forms.
4. 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!

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3. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
4. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

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4. Assemble the Dish

1. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Return the chicken to the skillet.
4. Add the cooked penne, pesto sauce, and a splash of reserved pasta water.
5. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!