20-Minute Chicken Pesto Pasta
Pesto does most of the flavor work in this fast chicken pasta, bringing basil, garlic, olive oil and Parmesan into the dish in one step. Bite-size chicken pieces make it substantial enough for dinner, while reserved pasta water helps the pesto coat the noodles instead of sitting in oily patches.
Keep the pesto away from aggressive heat after it is added; warming it gently preserves the fresh basil flavor. A squeeze of lemon or a handful of cherry tomatoes can brighten the finished plate.
Pesto Goes In Late for a Fresher Pasta
- 20-minute dinner
- Uses store-bought pesto for speed
- High-protein pasta meal
- Chicken Pesto Pasta relies on a short ingredient list rather than a crowded pantry.
- Easy family dinner
20-Minute Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken pesto pasta is a fast weeknight dinner with tender chicken, basil pesto, pasta and cherry tomatoes in a simple glossy sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta 225 g
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast 450 g, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup basil pesto 120 g
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes 150 g, halved
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan 30 g
- 1/3 cup reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, reserving some pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until browned and at least 165°F / 74°C.
- Reduce heat to low and add drained pasta and pesto.
- Add a splash of pasta water and toss until glossy and evenly coated.
- Fold in cherry tomatoes and Parmesan.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Cooking times can vary by equipment and ingredient size. Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and portion sizes.
Before You Call It Done
- Reserve pasta water before draining.
- Add pesto over low heat so basil flavor stays fresh.
- Cut chicken evenly for fast cooking.
- Add tomatoes at the end so they stay fresh and juicy.
What to Put Next to Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Green Salad
- Roasted Broccoli
- Garlic Bread
- Tomato Cucumber Salad
Keep Cooking From Here
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Make-Ahead Notes That Actually Matter
Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly and follow applicable cooked-meat food-safety guidance. Add fresh garnishes after reheating.
