Chicken Pesto Pasta Food Network
Looking for a flavorful and satisfying dish that will please the whole family? Look no further than our Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe. This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a vibrant homemade pesto sauce that's bursting with fresh herbs and garlic. It's a perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and comforting meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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Prepare the Pesto Sauce: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and minced garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
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Stream in the Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly stream in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture comes together into a smooth and vibrant pesto sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breast strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the chicken strips until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
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Combine the Pasta, Pesto, and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the freshly made pesto sauce until well coated. Add the cooked chicken strips and gently mix to combine.
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Serve and Garnish: Divide the Chicken Pesto Pasta among serving plates. Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.
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Enjoy Your Delicious Meal: Serve the Chicken Pesto Pasta hot and enjoy the flavors of the homemade pesto sauce combined with the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or a loaf of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 serving- Calories
- 650 kcal
- Total Fat
- 38 g
- Saturated Fat
- 7 g
- Cholesterol
- 90 mg
- Sodium
- 450 mg
- Total Carbohydrate
- 45 g
- Dietary Fiber
- 3 g
- Sugars
- 2 g
- Protein
- 35 g
Create a cozy and satisfying meal with our Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe that's sure to become a new family favorite. The vibrant flavors of homemade pesto and tender chicken come together to create a comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. Impress your loved ones with this simple yet delicious recipe that brings together classic flavors in a new and delightful way.