Description
A quick and delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe featuring tender seasoned chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a creamy pesto sauce with sundried tomatoes. Ready in 20 minutes, this dish blends Italian flavors for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces penne pasta, preferably with ridges
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving if desired
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained if packed in oil
- 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or quality store-bought, plus more if desired
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Handful of torn basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and season them with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat all pieces.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it generously with about 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes or according to package instructions.
- Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook, tossing occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Drain the pasta: Once the pasta is done, reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta well.
- Combine ingredients: Reduce the heat under the skillet with chicken to low. Add the cooked pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir gently until all ingredients are combined. If the sauce seems dry, add reserved pasta water in small splashes until the sauce is creamy and glossy.
- Add the pesto and finish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the basil pesto thoroughly. Finish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and torn basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed, ensuring a creamy and well-coated pasta.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Use homemade basil pesto for fresher flavor or a good quality store-bought version for convenience.
- Parmesan cheese can be added more generously as a topping when serving.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
