If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dinner that feels both fresh and comforting, you have to try this Penne with Chicken and Pesto Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and luscious basil pesto that creates a harmony of tastes and textures. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness, while Parmesan cheese brings a savory finish that ties everything together. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite for its ease, freshness, and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish truly shine. Each element is simple but essential, contributing to the taste, texture, and inviting hues that make Penne with Chicken and Pesto Recipe so memorable.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect sturdy pasta to hold up to the sauce and chunks of chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the chicken to a golden perfection.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): The protein superstar that makes this meal substantial and satisfying.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic depth and a punch of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors of the dish naturally.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity to the chicken.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Introduces bursts of sweetness and a fresh pop of color.
- 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto: The star sauce with herbaceous, nutty, and cheesy notes that liven up the pasta.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A savory topping that melts into the pasta for a luscious finish.
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved): Helps create a silky sauce by loosening the pesto mixture just enough.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional): Adds a fragrant, bright touch that makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Penne with Chicken and Pesto Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Saving about 1/4 cup of the cooking water before draining is a clever step that adds magic to the pesto sauce later. Setting the pasta aside keeps things ready for the skillet stage.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with salt and pepper, and cook until they are golden on the outside and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step ensures the chicken is juicy and tender, which is important for the perfect bite every time.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes
Once the chicken is done, toss in the minced garlic to sauté for just about 30 seconds. This quick step releases the garlicky aroma without burning it. Immediately add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften and give off their sweet juices, balancing the dish wonderfully.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Pesto
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer before adding the drained penne to the skillet. Stir in the prepared basil pesto and the reserved pasta water, tossing everything carefully so that the pesto sauce evenly coats the pasta and chicken. Cooking it for another 1 to 2 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to warm through without losing its vibrant green color.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Garnish
Removing the skillet from heat, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, letting it slightly melt into the warm mixture. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you like, adding a fragrant, fresh note and a beautiful final touch to your Penne with Chicken and Pesto Recipe before serving.
How to Serve Penne with Chicken and Pesto Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a natural choice for garnish, offering an aromatic brightness that elevates every bite. You can also consider a little extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good quality olive oil to add richness and a glossy finish to the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini are also excellent companions, bringing additional textures and flavors without overpowering the pesto pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve this Penne with Chicken and Pesto Recipe in shallow bowls, allowing the vibrant colors to shine. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few edible flowers can give it an elegant touch, perfect if you are hosting guests and want that wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Penne with Chicken and Pesto Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing to maintain the flavors and textures as best as possible.
Freezing
This dish freezes reasonably well if you want to save portions for busy days. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s better to leave out the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil garnish, adding them fresh after reheating for maximum flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure the creamy pesto coating remains smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully for holding the pesto, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta shape.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken or substitute it with cooked shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian or pescatarian option.
Can I make my own pesto for this dish?
Definitely, homemade pesto adds personal flair and freshness. Blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts or walnuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a pinch of salt for a vibrant sauce that elevates the recipe even more.
What side dishes go best with Penne with Chicken and Pesto Recipe?
Light, fresh sides like green salads, roasted veggies, or even garlic bread work beautifully alongside this pasta, providing texture contrasts and complementary flavors.
How do I keep the pesto from turning brown after cooking?
Cooking the pesto gently and at low heat helps maintain its bright green color. Also, stirring in reserved pasta water helps integrate the sauce smoothly without heavy cooking that dulls the vibrant hue.
Final Thoughts
Bringing together the fresh brightness of basil pesto, the satisfying bite of chicken, and the comforting warmth of pasta, this Penne with Chicken and Pesto Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that you can whip up any night of the week. It’s simple, delicious, and adaptable, making it a true kitchen winner. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and discover your own favorite way to enjoy this vibrant Italian-inspired dish!
Print
Penne with Chicken and Pesto Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Penne with Chicken and Pesto recipe is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken pieces sautéed with garlic and cherry tomatoes are tossed with al dente penne pasta, rich basil pesto, and Parmesan cheese, making a hearty and satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water, reserved
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Reduce the heat to low, add the drained pasta to the skillet, then stir in the basil pesto and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version.
- Use homemade pesto for a fresher flavor or store-bought for convenience.
- Adding spinach or arugula gives an extra boost of greens and nutrition.
- If you require a nut-free dish, ensure to use nut-free pesto.
