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Easy 30 Minute Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

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3.8 from 47 reviews

This Easy 30 Minute Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender pan-fried chicken breasts, al dente pasta, and a creamy basil pesto sauce. Enhanced with garlic, walnuts, mozzarella, and parmesan, it makes for a satisfying weeknight meal that’s simple to prepare yet full of Italian-inspired flavors.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta:

  • 500 g pasta (any type)

Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 80 g basil pesto (approximately 1/2 jar)
  • 100 ml single cream
  • 100 ml vegetable stock (made with a stock cube)

Toppings and Garnishes:

  • 2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped
  • 1 ball mozzarella, torn
  • 1 bunch basil, chopped
  • 50 g parmesan cheese, grated
  • Extra black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of non-stick greaseproof paper and pound gently with a rolling pin until evenly thin. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts carefully. Fry for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
  4. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Stir in the basil pesto. Pour in the single cream and vegetable stock, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce pan. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy pesto sauce.
  6. Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and arrange on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with torn mozzarella, chopped walnuts, grated parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and extra black pepper to finish. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For best results, pound chicken to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
  • You can use any type of pasta such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti based on preference.
  • If basil pesto is not available, homemade pesto can be substituted.
  • For a richer sauce, substitute single cream with double cream or heavy cream.
  • Chopped walnuts add a lovely crunch but can be omitted for nut-free diets.
  • Leftover pasta can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock or cream to loosen the sauce.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/easy-30-minute-chicken-pesto-pasta-recipe/