Name: Pesto Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 8 ounces orecchiette pasta or other short pasta; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup pesto; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil for garnish

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Pesto Chicken Pasta is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and flavorful pesto with pasta. This meal is perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. It’s simple to make and will please everyone at the table.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Pesto Chicken Pasta is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, it includes fresh ingredients that are good for you, like spinach and tomatoes. Lastly, the combination of pesto and chicken gives the dish a rich flavor that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Brown sugar or honey
Soy sauce
Cherry tomatoes
Orecchiette pasta or other short pasta
Kosher salt
Pesto
Spinach
Parmesan cheese
Basil

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add balsamic vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), soy sauce, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes are softened.
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
Add the cooked pasta, pesto, spinach, and toss to combine. Cook until heated through.
Serve topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Pasta

Serve Pesto Chicken Pasta warm. You can garnish it with extra basil or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Pair it with a simple garden salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Pesto Chicken Pasta

To store leftover Pesto Chicken Pasta, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat it, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Tips to Make Pesto Chicken Pasta

Use fresh ingredients when possible to enhance the flavor of the dish.
If you prefer a different type of pasta, feel free to substitute it with your favorite kind.
For a little spice, add red pepper flakes to the skillet when cooking the tomatoes.

Variation

You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrition and flavor. If you want to make it a vegetarian dish, you can skip the chicken and substitute it with extra vegetables or chickpeas.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works well and saves time. Just choose a brand you like!

2. What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Short pasta like orecchiette is great, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer, including penne or fusilli.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container.