Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta

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Creamy, savory, and packed with herbaceous flavor, Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta is a deliciously simple dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something hearty yet fresh for weekend guests, this pasta delivers every single time.

What makes it truly stand out is the vibrant green pesto, clinging to every piece of penne and juicy grilled chicken. The contrast between the seared edges of the chicken and the velvety sauce creates a bite that’s rich and satisfying, yet surprisingly light. This dish is a celebration of balance and bold Italian-inspired flavor.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get started on your Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta, you’ll need a few reliable kitchen tools:

• Large pot: For boiling the pasta evenly without overcrowding.
• Skillet or grill pan: Essential for getting that beautiful sear on the chicken.
• Food processor or blender (if making pesto from scratch): Helps emulsify the basil, garlic, nuts, cheese, and oil into a smooth sauce.
• Tongs: Perfect for turning the chicken without tearing the meat.
• Strainer: To drain pasta quickly without overcooking.
• Chef’s knife and cutting board: For prepping chicken and any garnishes.

Having the right tools on hand ensures everything cooks evenly and you maintain the ideal texture in both your pasta and chicken.

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Ingredients for the Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are perfect for grilling or searing, giving the dish a juicy and protein-rich component.
• Penne pasta: Its tubular shape holds onto the pesto sauce, making every bite flavorful.
• Fresh basil leaves (if making homemade pesto): Brings that iconic aromatic flavor and color.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, umami richness to the pesto.
• Pine nuts or walnuts: For a nutty depth in the pesto sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Boosts the flavor with a punch of savoriness.
• Olive oil: Helps emulsify the pesto and gives it a silky consistency.
• Salt & pepper: To season both the pasta water and the chicken.
• Lemon juice (optional): Adds a bright contrast to the richness.

Each ingredient has a specific purpose—whether it’s building the sauce, carrying the flavor, or enhancing the final texture.

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How To Make the Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. In a hot skillet or grill pan, cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let it rest, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Pesto (if homemade)

In a food processor, combine fresh basil, garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice. While pulsing, drizzle in olive oil until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Toss and Combine

In the same skillet, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce until evenly coated. Add the sliced chicken on top and gently mix. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves for garnish. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

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Best Ways to Serve and Store Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta

This pasta dish is best served warm, right after tossing the noodles and chicken in the pesto. The fresh basil flavor shines brightest when the pasta is just coated, and the chicken is still juicy from the pan. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

For storing leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to bring the sauce back to life without drying out the pasta.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer and removing the chicken when it hits 165°F internally. Let it rest before slicing to retain juices.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely. While homemade pesto offers vibrant flavor, a good-quality store-bought version works just fine in a pinch.

What pasta shapes work besides penne?

Rotini, fusilli, or farfalle are all great choices as they also hold sauce well.

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free pesto and skip the Parmesan garnish. There are many vegan pestos available or you can make your own.

Is it freezer-friendly?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the pesto separately and make the pasta fresh when ready to serve. Freezing the assembled dish may alter the texture of the pasta.

What can I substitute for pine nuts?

Walnuts, cashews, or even sunflower seeds can be used as a more affordable or allergy-friendly alternative.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta, you’re in for a treat with these other mouthwatering pasta creations:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta

• Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta

• Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta

Each one brings a different flair to the table—from spicy and creamy to indulgently cheesy.

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I always love hearing from you! Did you add a twist like sun-dried tomatoes or switch up the pasta shape? Drop your version in the comments.

Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make weeknight dinners feel gourmet!

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