Pesto chicken and pasta is a quick, easy, and savory dinner option. If you crave a weeknight meal solution with bold flavor and minimal prep work, this dish is for you. The key to success is using a quality pesto, preferably homemade, as it adds layers of flavor to the dish. The pasta soaks up the pesto and chicken juices, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce that will satisfy every taste bud.
Let's cook with our recipes!
PESTO PASTA WITH CHICKEN AND TOMATOES
Pesto is easy to make from scratch with just a handful of ingredients. Its fresh flavor is the highlight of this super-fast pasta dish, packed with cherry tomatoes and chicken.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In blender or food processor, place Pesto ingredients.
- Cover and process on medium speed about 3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides with rubber spatula, until smooth. Set aside.
- In 4-quart saucepan, heat penne and broth just to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until al dente and liquid is almost absorbed. Remove from heat. Add pesto; stir in chicken and tomatoes; cook over medium 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
- Garnish with basil and 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 480, Carbohydrate 52 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 4 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 4 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 740 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g
TEENA'S SPICY PESTO CHICKEN AND PASTA
A spicy chicken and pesto pasta dish that's easy to adjust to any heat level. I created it after eating a similar dish at a Santa Monica restaurant, and it's one of my favorites. Serve with additional grated Parmesan, if desired. As an option, it's delicious with creamy goat cheese stirred in at the end.
Provided by LAGIRL
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place farfalle pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Mix in the chile paste and chicken. Cook and stir chicken 10 minutes, or until evenly browned and juices run clear.
- Toss the cooked farfalle, pesto, Parmesan cheese, and cilantro into the skillet, and continue cooking just until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 421.7 calories, Carbohydrate 45.5 g, Cholesterol 42.7 mg, Fat 15.2 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 24.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.9 g, Sodium 214.8 mg, Sugar 1.2 g
PHENOMENAL CHICKEN AND PASTA IN CREAMY PESTO SAUCE
An extremely delicious meal: the crunch of pine nuts and the tang of sun-dried tomatoes combine with chicken and pasta in a heavenly pesto cream sauce. Be sure to taste and salt before serving, because depending on what kind of chicken broth you use, the dish may require no salt at all or may be extremely under-salted.
Provided by GILL846
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Chicken
Time 55m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Place basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and tomato in a food processor. Gradually add olive oil, while pulsing, until mixture is smooth and creamy.
- In a bowl, stir together chicken broth, 1 cup white wine, dried basil, oregano, and minced garlic. Stir in chicken pieces.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Set aside.
- Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onions, and sprinkle with sugar. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts, and cook about 3 minutes. Stir in chicken and marinade. Stir in 1/2 cup white wine. Simmer chicken pieces, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.
- Add pasta and pesto to the skillet. Stir in cream, and cook until the sauce is thickened. Adjust salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, and serve with freshly grated Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 943 calories, Carbohydrate 71.1 g, Cholesterol 126.7 mg, Fat 49.9 g, Fiber 5.7 g, Protein 45.7 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, Sodium 220.6 mg, Sugar 7.5 g
ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH CHICKEN AND AVOCADO PESTO
Steps:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add enough olive oil to coat the skillet. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on one side, 8 to10 minutes; flip and cook until cooked through and no longer pink, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into strips.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a food processor, blend together the basil, walnuts, avocados, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the pasta into a colander. Transfer it to a large serving platter or bowl and toss with the pesto. Top with the sliced chicken. Serve immediately.
CHICKEN PESTO AND ZUCCHINI "PASTA" RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: fresh basil, grated parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, lemon, salt, pepper, olive oil, oil, zucchinis, cherry tomato, boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Provided by Matthew Johnson
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth texture. Set aside.
- With a vegetable peeler, shave ribbons of the zucchini until you reach the seeds. Set aside.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
- Heat a 4-quart jumbo cooker over medium-high. Add a little oil, the chicken breasts, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all surfaces.
- Turn off the heat and add the cherry tomatoes, pesto, and zucchini ribbons. Toss until well combined and heated through.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 677 calories, Carbohydrate 12 grams, Fat 55 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 37 grams, Sugar 6 grams
SPINACH, WALNUT AND GOLDEN RAISIN PESTO PASTA WITH ITALIAN CHICKEN SAUSAGE
Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the sausages, covered with a medium heatproof bowl, until nice and charred and no longer pink on the inside, flipping once, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board, let cool slightly, then slice on the bias. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Poach the garlic cloves in the boiling water for 5 minutes, then transfer them with a slotted spoon to a food processor. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook to al dente according to the package directions.
- Meanwhile, add the walnuts to the food processor with the garlic and pulse until chopped, about 8 times. Add the spinach, basil, cheese, olive oil, raisins, salt, pepper and lemon zest and juice. Pulse about 10 times, until combined but still rustically chopped. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Using a spider, add the pasta to the skillet. Add the spinach pesto and toss to combine. Heat until warmed through. Season to taste if necessary and serve immediately topped with grilled sausage slices.
PASTA WITH TOMATO PESTO, FETA AND CHICKEN
Boldly flavored tomato pesto adds delicious depth to this pretty salad with an easy shortcut--frozen cooked chicken.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 25m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook orzo as directed on package; drain. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain well.
- Meanwhile, in large bowl, combine chicken, cheese, basil, pesto and salt; stir gently to mix. Add cooked orzo to chicken mixture; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
- To make tomato cups, cut off stem end of tomato and scoop out pulp; discard. Spoon salad mixture into tomato cups. If desired, serve on lettuce-lined plates.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 455, Carbohydrate 41 g, Cholesterol 80 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 32 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1060 mg, Sugar 3 g
CHICKEN WITH ZUCCHINI AND PESTO OVER ANGEL HAIR PASTA
This is a delicious dinner recipe your family is going to love. The stir-fry of Italian seasoned vegetables and chicken tastes fresh and flavorful with the angel hair pasta. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese starts to melt over the pasta - kind of tastes like a softly salted sprinkle. Simply delightful!
Provided by Linda Knowles
Categories Pasta
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Put a small amount of olive oil in a large frying pan. Heat pan to medium-high and add chicken. Saute until almost done, 5 to 10 minutes.
- 2. Add onion and zucchini and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
- 3. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- 4. Add tomatoes with liquid and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- 5. Taste. Add salt and pepper if needed.
- 6. While chicken mixture is cooking, bring 8 cups of salted water to a boil.
- 7. Add pasta and cook according to package directions (usually 7 to 9 minutes).
- 8. When done, drain and put in a large bowl. Add pesto.
- 9. Toss.
- 10. To serve, put pasta on plates and spoon chicken mixture over top.
- 11. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over top. Serve immediately.
BROTH PESTO WITH PASTA, PEAS, AND CHICKEN
A deliciously creamy pasta dish that doesn't use any cream. The vegetable broth mixed with fresh pesto makes a very flavorful sauce. You can use real chicken but you should try the Quorn® stuff -- it's really good.
Provided by elizabeth
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Chicken
Time 35m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place the vegetable broth into a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Stir in the pasta, and boil over medium-low heat until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain pasta, and reserve broth.
- Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat, and stir in half the spring onions; cook and stir until the onions begin to soften, 2 to 3 minutes, then add the vegetarian chicken-style pieces. Cook until vegetarian pieces are browned, about 3 minutes per side, then stir in remaining onion and green peas. Pour 1/2 cup of reserved vegetable broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, cook for 1 to 2 minutes to cook the peas, and stir in the pasta and pesto sauce. Mix in an additional 1/2 cup of broth to form a creamy sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 417.3 calories, Carbohydrate 59.1 g, Cholesterol 11.4 mg, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 6.8 g, Protein 23.2 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 740.9 mg, Sugar 6.2 g
CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PESTO PASTA TOSS
So quick and easy.. feel free to use different veggies. Zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, eggplant...whatever you have. Great way to use up leftovers.
Provided by little_wing
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 30m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to directions, drain and cool.
- Combine pasta, chicken, broccoli and mozzarella.
- Blend basil and garlic in blender or food processor until finely chopped.
- Add mayo, lemon juice and salt.
- Process to combine thoroughly.
- Stir in Parmesan.
- Mix with pasta.
- Fold in nuts.
- Best served room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 302.1, Fat 15.4, SaturatedFat 5.1, Cholesterol 51.5, Sodium 403.9, Carbohydrate 19.1, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 1, Protein 22.1
TEENA'S SPICY PESTO CHICKEN AND PASTA RECIPE - (4/5)
Provided by classycook
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place farfalle pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Mix in the chile paste and chicken. Cook and stir chicken 10 minutes, or until evenly browned and juices run clear. Toss the cooked farfalle, pesto, Parmesan cheese, and cilantro into the skillet, and continue cooking just until heated through. Nutritional Information Amount Per Serving Calories: 422 | Total Fat: 15.2g | Cholesterol: 43mg
PESTO PARMESAN CHICKEN AND PASTA
Pesto adds a flavor twist to this easy Chicken Helper® dinner-ready in just 25 minutes!
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In 2-quart nonstick saucepan, stir hot water, 1 1/2 cups milk, 2 tablespoons butter, and the sauce mix and uncooked pasta (from Chicken Helper box). Heat just to boiling, stirring frequently. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered about 12 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender. Remove from heat; stir in 1/4 cup pesto. Cover to keep warm. Sauce will thicken as it stands.
- Meanwhile, cut each chicken breast into 3 to 5 slices, holding knife at an angle. Slices should be about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place chicken in medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon milk to moisten. Add seasoned crumbs (from Chicken Helper box) to coat chicken.
- In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter and the oil over medium heat until butter is melted. Carefully add chicken to hot butter mixture; cook 4 to 6 minutes or until golden brown. Reduce heat to medium-low. Turn chicken, cook 4 to 6 minutes longer or until golden brown and centers are no longer pink.
- Place chicken on individual plates. Spoon and spread 1 1/2 teaspoons pesto over chicken for each serving. Top with tomato slices; serve with pasta.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 470, Carbohydrate 32 g, Cholesterol 75 mg, Fat 5, Fiber 1 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 850 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 1/2 g
PASTA WITH PESTO AND POACHED CHICKEN
Make and share this Pasta with Pesto and Poached Chicken recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Derf2440
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions, adding chicken the last 5 to 6 minutes of cooking.
- Cook till pasta is tender but firm and chicken is no longer pink.
- Drain pasta and chicken.
- Rinse with cold water, drain again.
- Combine pesto and sour cream in a large mixing bowl.
- Add pasta/chicken mixture, chopped veggies and tomato.
- Toss lightly to coat.
- If desired, sprinkle with nuts.
ANGEL HAIR PASTA AND CHICKEN WITH PESTO SAUCE
I serve with Tossed or Cesar salad. Enjoy this quick, easy, healthy and delicious dinner for 4. You can double the recipe for a larger group.
Provided by Liz Owen
Categories Pasta
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- 1. Follow cooking directions on Knorr Pesto Sauce Package. In a medium skillet on medium to low heat, add in the Olive Oil, Garlic, spices and chicken. Cook together until hot and the spices have blended together with the chicken, about 5 to 10 minutes. Follow cooking directions on Angel Hair Pasta.
- 2. Once pasta is ready, drained and back in the pan, add the Tomatoes, Chopped Spinach, Chicken mix then pour the sauce over all and toss together over low heat approx 2 to 3 minutes.
PASTA, CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PESTO TOSS
Steps:
- Cook pasta, drain and cool. Combine pasta, chicken, broccoli and mozzarella cheese in large bowl. Process basil and garlic in covered blender or food processor until finely chopped. Add mayo, lemon juice and salt. Stir in parmesan, add to pasta mixture, toss to coat. Stir in pine nuts. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate. For maximum flavor, remove from refrigerator and toss gently 30 min before serving.
BASIL WALNUT PESTO PASTA AND CHICKEN
I tried a reduced fat Pesto sauce recipe a while back. I didn't care for it. It lacked flavor. I decided to make one by reducing the fat. This is not a very low fat recipe. It has olive oil in it. It is a reduced fat version I made up. My family liked it. My husband being a fussy Italian ate almost 3 plates of pasta with this...
Provided by Nor Mac
Categories Gravies
Time 10m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. Put basil.walnuts,and parmesan cheese in food processor. Blend well. add remaining ingredients starting with olive oil,and sour cream. You can adapt ingredients to get the flavor you are looking for.
- 2. Chill
- 3. Keep in fridge and stir in to warm pasta before serving. I do a serving at a time.
- 4. Cut chicken breast up. I use chicken tenders. cook in olive oil add a clove of garlic minced when chicken is almost done. Don't want to burn garlic. add garlic salt and pepper to taste. I transfer my chicken to grill to give it that grilled flavor.
- 5. steam broccoli.Serve brocooli and chicken on top of pasta with sauce
- 6. note: you may use lite sour cream and reduced calorie bread in this recipe. Originally I came up with this to reduce the calories.The bread gives it a texture as if there is more cheese in it than there really is.
SPICY PESTO CHICKEN AND PASTA
Categories Pasta
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place farfalle pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain. 2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Mix in the chile paste and chicken. Cook and stir chicken 10 minutes, or until evenly browned and juices run clear. 3. Toss the cooked farfalle, pesto, Parmesan cheese, and cilantro into the skillet, and continue cooking just until heated through.
SLOW COOKER PESTO ALFREDO CHICKEN AND PASTA
Easy Slow Cooker Pesto Alfredo Chicken and Pasta is one of the BEST crock pot recipes - just dump it all together and let the slow cooker do it's magic! Creamy, flavorful, and delicious - perfect for a busy weeknight.
Provided by Camille
Categories Dinner
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour Alfredo sauce, pesto, and tomatoes (undrained) on top of chicken.
- Cook on low heat for 5-6 hours (or high heat for 3-4 hours) or until chicken is cooked through.
- Near the end of the cooking time, cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain well.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using 2 forks (it should come apart fairly easy).
- Add the chicken and pasta back to slow cooker and mix together.
- Serve topped with fresh Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and fresh diced tomatoes (optional toppings).
Nutrition Facts : Servingsize 1 serving, Calories 2982 kcal, Fat 67 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Cholesterol 497 mg, Sodium 1896 mg, Carbohydrate 361 g, Sugar 25 g, Protein 223 mg
PESTO CHICKEN AND PASTA
Rely on this delicious 5-ingredient main dish that goes from start to finish in just 20 minutes.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In 3-quart saucepan, cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Return to saucepan.
- Stir chicken, pesto and bell peppers into pasta. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until hot. Garnish with olives.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 670, Carbohydrate 79 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 7 g, Protein 36 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 990 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs, vegetables, and chicken will give your dish the best flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure to give it enough space so that it can cook evenly.
- Cook the chicken until it is cooked through: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, and be sure to drain it well before adding it to the sauce.
- Add the pesto slowly: Stir in the pesto a little at a time, until you have reached the desired flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Before serving, garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or oregano.
Conclusion:
Pesto chicken and pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that the whole family will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give pesto chicken and pasta a try.
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