Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal featuring tender pasta tossed with savory chicken and aromatic basil pesto. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual meals, it’s hearty, fresh, and easily customizable.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 15–17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Boiling, Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
14.5 ounces (1 box) protein pasta, cooked (or substitute regular pasta)
Kosher salt, for cooking pasta
½ cup basil pesto (adjust to taste)
1–2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
Kosher salt, to taste
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl or skillet, toss cooked pasta with basil pesto until evenly coated.
- Add chopped cooked chicken and mix gently until heated through.
- Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped basil if desired.
Notes
Use pre-cooked chicken for convenience, or cook raw chicken thoroughly before adding.
Adjust pesto amount to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
Optional mix-ins: roasted vegetables, mushrooms, shrimp, or chickpeas for variety.
For a creamy version, stir in heavy cream or cream cheese.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/chicken-pesto-pasta/
