Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

I’ve found that busy weeknights often call for a meal that feels both special and incredibly simple. This easy chicken pesto pasta recipe is exactly that: a vibrant, aromatic dish that comes together quickly, filling your kitchen with the irresistible scent of fresh basil and garlic. It’s truly perfect for busy families, ideal for quick healthy dinners, and fantastic for meal prep, giving you a delicious, wholesome option without the fuss. Our version elevates the classic easy chicken pesto pasta recipe with fresh ingredients and clever shortcuts, ensuring a tasty, balanced meal everyone will love. Get ready to master a new family favorite!

Ingredient Blueprint

Crafting this simple yet satisfying easy chicken pesto pasta recipe starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for our version:

• Chicken: 450 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes (chicken thighs work beautifully too for extra moisture).
• Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) fusilli or penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta; whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are excellent healthy alternatives).
• Tomatoes: 300 g (10.5 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved, for sweet bursts of flavor.
• Olive Oil: 80 ml (1/3 cup) extra virgin olive oil, divided, plus a little extra for drizzling, essential for cooking and pesto.
• Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, peeled, 2 minced for chicken, 2 for pesto, for aromatic depth.
• Smoked Paprika: 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) smoked paprika, divided, for a subtle smoky warmth.
• Lemon: 1 large lemon, zested and juiced, offering bright acidity and freshness.
• Basil: 60 g (2 oz) fresh basil leaves, packed, the star of our vibrant pesto.
• Pistachios: 60 g (1/2 cup) shelled, unsalted pistachios, toasted and divided, adding a unique nutty crunch.
• Nutritional Yeast: 15 g (2 tbsp) nutritional yeast, for a cheesy, umami note in the pesto (or grated Parmesan cheese if you prefer dairy).
• Salt & Pepper: 7.5 ml (1.5 tsp) fine sea salt and 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) freshly ground black pepper, divided, to season.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) red pepper flakes, plus more for garnish, for a hint of heat.

For an upgraded chicken pesto pasta, consider choosing organic chicken and vibrant, fresh basil for your pesto. Ripe, seasonal cherry tomatoes also make a big difference in taste.

This dish is adaptable for various dietary needs:

• Keto: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles and consider reducing tomatoes for stricter low-carb meals.
• Vegan: Replace chicken with plant-based strips or chickpeas, use a dedicated vegan pesto, and ensure nutritional yeast is used instead of any dairy Parmesan.
• Diabetic-Friendly: Opt for whole wheat pasta, lean chicken, and significantly increase non-starchy vegetables like spinach. This makes for a truly healthy easy chicken pesto pasta experience.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Add 340 g (12 oz) pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the starchy pasta cooking water.
2. Char Tomatoes & Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven broiler (grill). On a baking sheet, toss 300 g (10.5 oz) halved cherry tomatoes with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, 1 ml (1/4 tsp) salt, and 1 ml (1/4 tsp) black pepper. Broil for 5-7 minutes, watching closely until they’re slightly softened, beginning to burst, and show lovely char marks. Remove and set aside. Simultaneously, pat your 450 g (1 lb) chicken cubes dry. Season with 5 ml (1 tsp) salt, 1.5 ml (1/4 tsp) black pepper, and 1.5 ml (1/4 tsp) smoked paprika. Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil in a large 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 74°C / 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. If your chicken isn’t browning, increase the heat slightly, but avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Prepare Smoky Lemon-Pistachio Pesto: In a food processor, combine 60 g (2 oz) fresh basil leaves, 45 g (1/3 cup) toasted pistachios, 2 cloves garlic, the lemon zest, lemon juice, 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) smoked paprika, 15 g (2 tbsp) nutritional yeast, 1.5 ml (1/4 tsp) salt, and 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) red pepper flakes. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the remaining 50 ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil until a vibrant green, slightly coarse pesto forms. Do not over-process; a little texture is desirable.
4. Combine & Serve: Drain the pasta and immediately transfer it back to the warm pot or a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked chicken, charred cherry tomatoes, and the freshly prepared Smoky Lemon-Pistachio Pesto. Pour in about 60 ml (1/4 cup) of the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more pasta water, 15 ml (1 tbsp) at a time, until the desired creamy consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For younger eaters, I often cut the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces and use a milder pesto, ensuring this easy chicken pesto pasta recipe is truly family-friendly. This quick meal provides high-protein satisfaction for everyone at the table. Serve immediately, garnished with remaining pistachios, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes.

When to Enjoy Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta

This easy chicken pesto pasta recipe is perfect for fast weeknight dinners, a satisfying lunchbox meal, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a simple holiday gathering option. I often whip up a big batch on Sunday evenings, portioning it into containers for quick, healthy grab-and-go lunches during the busy work week.

• Ideal occasions: Weeknight dinners, satisfying lunchboxes, potlucks, simple holiday gatherings.
• Pairings: Crisp green salad (like arugula with balsamic vinaigrette), crusty garlic bread, sparkling lemonade.
• Storage & reheating: Store leftover easy chicken pesto pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water or broth, or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Value

• High in lean protein: Supports muscle repair and satiety, making this a great option for an active lifestyle.
• Balanced meal: Provides complex carbohydrates for energy, healthy fats, and essential vitamins from vegetables.
• Kid-approved flavors: Makes it easy to incorporate nutritious organic ingredients into your family’s diet.
• Excellent for meal prep: Supports weight management goals and quick healthy dinners throughout the week.
• Fits multiple diet patterns: Easily adaptable with simple adjustments, like gluten-free options or vegetarian alternatives for the chicken.

Time & Budget Insights

Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes. Total time: ~35 minutes for this quick easy chicken pesto pasta recipe.

• Approximate cost per serving: $3-4.
• Smart saving swaps: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts, opt for store-brand pasta, make your own pesto from scratch when fresh basil is on sale.
• How easy chicken pesto pasta can be meal-prepped: Cook chicken and pasta ahead of time. Chop tomatoes. Assemble individual portions for lunches throughout the week, adding pesto just before serving or reheating to maintain freshness.

Ingredient Shopping & Premium Picks

Most ingredients for this family-friendly meal are readily available at any major supermarket. For fresher produce and specialty items for your chicken pesto pasta, check local farmers’ markets or health food stores.

• Differences in fresh vs. frozen vs. packaged: Fresh chicken and homemade pesto offer superior flavor, but packaged pesto and frozen chicken can be convenient time-savers for quick meals.
• Organic grocery delivery: Services like Thrive Market or local organic grocery delivery can provide high-quality organic chicken, pasta, and fresh basil for your homemade pesto.

Advanced Tips & Customizations

• Tricks for upgrading taste and presentation: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Flavor variations: Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes. Mediterranean: Stir in Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Creamy: Finish with a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
• Allergy swaps: Use a nut-free pesto if managing nut allergies, or dairy-free Parmesan alternatives for lactose intolerance.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this easy chicken pesto pasta recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Store-bought pesto makes this recipe incredibly quick and convenient, perfect for busy weeknights and easy dinner ideas. It’s a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice much flavor.

Is easy chicken pesto pasta suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep! I often cook the components ahead and assemble individual portions for quick lunches or dinners. Store pesto separately if you can, to maintain the freshest texture.

What kind of chicken is best for chicken pesto pasta?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Breasts are leaner, while thighs offer more flavor and moisture. For high-protein meals, you can even mix both!

Can I make easy chicken pesto pasta gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. There are many great options available today, ensuring this family-friendly dish is accessible to all.

How long does easy chicken pesto pasta last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, cooked chicken can be frozen separately for up to 3 months.

Is easy chicken pesto pasta a healthy dinner option?

Yes, it’s a balanced meal providing lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. It’s easily customizable to fit your dietary needs, making it a healthy eating choice.

Conclusion

This easy chicken pesto pasta recipe is a true champion in the kitchen – offering incredible flavor, impressive nutrition, and unbeatable convenience. It’s perfect for families, meal preppers, and anyone craving a satisfying, quick dinner for healthy eating.

Pin this recipe, print it out, and plan to enjoy this family favorite this week!

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