Light Pesto Pasta With Chicken (Printable)
Tender chicken with fresh pesto and pasta for a healthy, satisfying meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 10.5 ounces), cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Pasta
02 - 12 ounces whole wheat or regular spaghetti or penne
→ Pesto
03 - 1.8 ounces fresh basil leaves
04 - 2 tablespoons pine nuts
05 - 2 garlic cloves, peeled
06 - 1.4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 - Juice of ½ lemon
09 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Vegetables
10 - 3.5 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
11 - 1 handful baby spinach (optional)
→ Garnishes
12 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
13 - Fresh basil leaves
# How-To Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil until a smooth pesto forms. Adjust seasoning to taste.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Add cherry tomatoes and spinach to the skillet and sauté 2 minutes until just softened, if using.
05 - Reduce heat to low, return chicken to the skillet, and add drained pasta. Stir in pesto and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce that coats the pasta. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The homemade pesto transforms simple ingredients into something restaurant-worthy in minutes
- Everything cooks in one pan plus the pasta pot, meaning minimal cleanup maximum flavor
02 -
- The pasta water is crucial for creating that light sauce consistency, so do not forget to save some before draining
- Pesto can turn bitter if over processed, so pulse just until combined and smooth
03 -
- Toast your pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2 minutes before blending to unlock their natural oils
- Season your chicken generously with salt and pepper before cooking for the best flavor development