Some evenings call for a quick, satisfying meal. This simple and healthy chicken pesto pasta comes together in minutes with just a few fresh ingredients: cherry tomatoes, chicken breasts, your favorite pasta (fettuccine works well) and pesto. I often make a batch of homemade pesto and toss it with hot pasta, then add sliced chicken and tomatoes. Using organic, free-range chicken gives a brighter flavor and is a choice I prefer for both taste and quality. The burst of sweetness from the cherry tomatoes complements the savory pesto and tender chicken perfectly.
Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing without fuss.
| Chicken Pesto Pasta |
Recipe Type: Main
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
Total time: 20 mins
Serves: 2
Ingredients
- 2 organic free-range chicken breasts
- 1/2 lb fettuccine noodles (or pasta of your choice)
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make four thinner cutlets. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
- Heat the vegetable or olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the pieces to the hot skillet and cook a few minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through; juices should run clear.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions (about 10 minutes) until al dente. Adding a little olive oil to the water or tossing the drained pasta with a touch of oil will help prevent sticking.
- Drain the noodles and, if you prefer, rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking and separate the strands. If they cling together, rub a little oil between your hands and gently separate them.
- Toss the warm pasta with the pesto until evenly coated. Arrange the sliced chicken on top, add halved cherry tomatoes, and finish with fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Makes 2 servings
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