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Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts

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Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil pesto, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Topped with crunchy pine nuts and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this meal bursts with flavor in every bite. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this quick recipe will impress your family and friends while satisfying your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup fresh basil pesto
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup pine nuts, toasted
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of cooking water before draining.
  2. 2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Let rest before slicing.
  3. 3. Toast the Pine Nuts: In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast pine nuts for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
  4. 4. Combine Everything: In the skillet used for chicken, add cooked pasta, sliced chicken, pesto, cherry tomatoes, and reserved pasta water. Toss to combine.
  5. 5. Serve: Plate the pasta and top with toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: - For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic before cooking. - Consider swapping chicken for shrimp or adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a unique twist.

Find it online: https://homelytastes.com/irresistible-chicken-pesto-pasta-with-tomatoes-pine-nuts/