Description
This Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick and easy Italian-inspired meal featuring sautéed bite-sized chicken pieces, farfalle pasta, and sweet cherry tomatoes all tossed in fresh basil pesto and topped with grated parmesan and parsley. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that gets rave reviews every time!
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces short pasta such as farfalle
- 1 cup basil pesto (found in refrigerated section)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (can also use basil)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt to taste. Cook the farfalle pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the chicken in the pan and cook for about 1 minute to release the flavors, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Drain the pasta if not done so already, then add it directly to the pan with the cooked chicken. Pour in the basil pesto and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the pesto sauce.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, being careful not to crush them, to add a fresh burst of sweetness and color to the dish.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the pasta with the finely grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley (or basil). Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the combination of creamy pesto, tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, and savory parmesan.
Notes
- Use fresh basil pesto from the refrigerated section for the best flavor; homemade pesto works beautifully too.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the parsley garnish with fresh basil for an extra herbal note.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the farfalle pasta with a gluten-free variety.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken pieces; they should remain juicy and tender.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty Italian bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
