Description
Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delightful and vibrant dish that will elevate your weeknight dinners or impress your guests at special gatherings. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a fresh basil pesto, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Slice into strips.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, blend basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. Add more oil if needed for creaminess.
- Combine Everything: In the pot with the drained pasta, add sliced chicken and pesto sauce. Toss gently until evenly coated.
- Serve: Plate your Chicken Pesto Pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan and pine nuts if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1¼ cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg