Hearty Basil Pesto Chicken Penne Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Culinary magic happens when basil pesto chicken penne dance together on your plate, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers comfort and excitement.

Fragrant herbs mingle with tender chicken pieces, promising a meal that feels both familiar and adventurous.

Pasta lovers will adore how each twirled forkful delivers rich, vibrant notes of fresh basil and golden chicken.

Creamy pesto coats perfectly cooked penne, inviting you into a Mediterranean-inspired experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant dish that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Gather around the table and let this basil pesto chicken penne become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Perfect Pairings With Basil Pesto Chicken Penne

• Pair Zesty Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp white wine cuts through the rich pesto, complementing the herbal basil notes and creating a refreshing balance.
• Serve with Garlic Bruschetta: Toasted bread with garlic and olive oil adds a crunchy texture that enhances the creamy pasta dish and provides a delightful appetizer.
• Match with Crisp Arugula Salad: Light, peppery greens with a lemon vinaigrette offer a fresh contrast to the hearty chicken and pasta, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Recommend Parmesan Crisps: Baked cheese wafers add a salty, crunchy element that echoes the Parmesan in the dish and provides an elegant side garnish.

How To Store Basil Pesto Chicken Penne

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining flavor and texture.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Properly sealed, it stays good for up to 2 months. Freeze without additional cheese topping.
• Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated evenly, about 4-5 minutes.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add extra Parmesan if desired.

Basil Pesto Chicken Penne FAQs

• What ingredients make basil pesto special?

Fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil create a vibrant, aromatic sauce that adds incredible flavor to the dish.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or bow-tie pasta to suit your preference.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the pesto chicken penne reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

What Makes Basil Pesto Chicken Penne Great

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Toss together this pesto chicken pasta with minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap ingredients easily to match dietary preferences or pantry availability, allowing flexibility for vegetarians, protein lovers, or those wanting to experiment with different cheeses and herbs.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: Combine rich basil pesto with tender chicken and pasta for a vibrant, restaurant-quality dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal preparation, satisfying hungry families in minutes.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing this recipe in a single skillet, reducing dishwashing time and making it an ideal solution for people who want delicious meals without extensive post-cooking chores.

Ingredients Needed For Basil Pesto Chicken Penne

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully and provides a hearty base for the dish.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds substance and pairs perfectly with the pesto sauce.

• Basil Pesto: A vibrant green sauce made from fresh basil that brings rich herbal flavor to the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and creaminess to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and pasta.

Steps To Cook Basil Pesto Chicken Penne

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the penne pasta and cook until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Drain the pasta in a colander, letting the water stream away, and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high flame. Sprinkle chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken in the hot skillet, cooking each side until golden brown and the inside is completely white. Once cooked, slice the chicken into tender, bite-sized morsels.

Step 3: Create Creamy Pesto Magic

• Cooked penne pasta
• Sliced chicken pieces
• Vibrant basil pesto
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Gently toss and stir the ingredients, allowing the pesto to coat every pasta nook and chicken piece. Heat everything until warm and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Plate and Savor

Transfer the pesto chicken penne to serving plates. The aroma of basil and cheese will make mouths water. Serve immediately while the dish is steaming hot and bursting with flavor.

Top Tips For Basil Pesto Chicken Penne

• Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary needs.
• Marinate chicken in pesto sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor depth.
• Add extra vegetables like roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach for increased nutrition.
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
• Use rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative when you want a quick meal preparation.

Fun Twists On Basil Pesto Chicken Penne

• Mediterranean Flair: Replace basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Veggie Power: Swap chicken with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach for a vegetarian protein-packed alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes and use spicy jalapeño pesto to elevate the heat and add a zesty flavor profile.
• Creamy Fusion: Blend in a splash of heavy cream with the pesto to create a richer, more luxurious sauce coating the pasta and chicken.

Basil Pesto Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent “basil pesto chicken penne” delivers Italian comfort with rich, herbal notes dancing through tender pasta. Fresh ingredients and simple preparation promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup basil pesto

Cheese:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil penne in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry and generously season with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cooking chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and golden brown.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3 minutes before slicing into uniform bite-sized cubes.
5. Return skillet to medium heat and add cooked penne, sliced chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Gently toss ingredients together, ensuring even coating and warming through for 2-3 minutes.
7. Transfer to serving plates, garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
• Enhance the dish’s nutrition by adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra color and vitamins.
• Customize the pesto’s intensity by adjusting the amount of basil and garlic, catering to personal taste preferences without overwhelming the dish.
• For a gluten-free option, replace regular penne with chickpea or lentil pasta, maintaining the recipe’s hearty texture and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg