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Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 121 reviews

A quick and flavorful Pesto Pasta with Chicken recipe that combines tender pasta, shredded chicken, and creamy pesto sauce, topped with fresh cherry tomatoes and Parmesan. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner ready in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Sauce and Flavorings

  • 1 cup creamy pesto sauce
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnishing
  • Extra pesto, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Gather all ingredients and prep the toppings by slicing cherry tomatoes and shredding cooked chicken if not already prepared.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and return to the pot.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded cooked chicken and creamy pesto sauce to the hot pasta, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  4. Add Fresh Elements: Gently fold in the sliced cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
  5. Finish with Cheese: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined thoroughly with the pasta mixture.
  6. Serve: Plate the pasta warm, garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle extra pesto on top if desired for added flavor and color.

Notes

  • Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Adjust the amount of pesto sauce based on your taste preference for a creamier or lighter coating.
  • Cherry tomatoes add freshness but can be substituted with sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
  • Pasta water can be reserved to thin out the pesto sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Parmesan can be substituted or supplemented with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.

Keywords: Pesto pasta, chicken pasta, creamy pesto, easy dinner, Italian pasta recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/pesto-pasta-with-chicken-recipe/