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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Boil penne in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and generously season with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- 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.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3 minutes before slicing into uniform bite-sized cubes.
- Return skillet to medium heat and add cooked penne, sliced chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Gently toss ingredients together, ensuring even coating and warming through for 2-3 minutes.
- 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