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Chicken and Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

This Chicken and Pesto Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chunks of seasoned chicken are sautéed until golden, then tossed together with rigatoni pasta in a creamy pesto sauce enriched with lemon juice and parmesan. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines Italian-inspired flavors for a comforting, satisfying dinner that serves five.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Chicken

  • 12 ounces rigatoni (or other short pasta)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced

Sauce and Garnish

  • 1/2 cup pesto
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken: While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks. Season them with kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip the chicken and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and chicken is cooked through.
  4. Sauté garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the minced garlic to the pan with the chicken, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the pan with the chicken and garlic. Pour in the pesto, lemon juice, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well combined and warmed through. If the pasta mixture seems dry, stir in reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Using freshly grated garlic enhances the flavor more than pre-minced garlic.
  • Reserve pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency due to its starch content.
  • You can substitute the heavy cream with half and half for a lighter sauce.
  • Fresh basil leaves add a bright, herbal note if you choose to garnish.
  • Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally to guarantee safety and juiciness.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/chicken-and-pesto-pasta-recipe/