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
Scale
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.
