Pesto Chicken Penne Recipe: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

Are you craving a meal bursting with flavor that doesn’t take hours to prepare? Look no further! This Pesto Chicken Penne recipe is the perfect balance of juicy chicken, fragrant pesto, and hearty pasta—ready in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for the family or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious dish:

• Penne pasta – 12 oz (about 4 cups dry)
• Chicken breast – 2 boneless, skinless breasts (around 1 lb)
• Pesto – 1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp (for cooking the chicken and pasta)
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup, grated
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• Optional add-ins:
  • Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
  • Fresh spinach – 1 cup
  • Pine nuts – 1/4 cup (toasted for a little crunch)

Preparation

Now, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together quickly, so remember to have everything prepped before you start.

Cook the Penne

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 9 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the pan and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once the chicken is ready, please remove it from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice it into thin strips.

Prepare the Pesto

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare your pesto. If you’re using store-bought pesto, you’re good to go! If making homemade pesto, blend 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 2 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/2 cup olive oil in a food processor until smooth.

Combine Everything

Now that everything’s ready, it’s time to put it all together. In the same pan you used for the chicken, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Toss in the cooked penne, and then pour in the pesto sauce. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is nicely coated. Add the sliced chicken on top and give it a gentle toss.

If you’re using any of the optional add-ins, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or pine nuts, now’s the time to mix them in.

Serving Suggestions

Once everything is nicely mixed, serve the pesto chicken penne hot! For extra flavor, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan and maybe some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Pair it with a side salad and a glass of crisp white wine, and you’ve got a perfect meal for any occasion.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to switch things up!

• Pesto Variations: Try using sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto for a twist.
• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers.
• Extra Spicy: Add some chili flakes to your pesto for an extra kick of heat.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on your penne as it cooks. Al dente pasta holds up better with the pesto sauce and gives the dish a better texture.
• Use Fresh Chicken: For the juiciest chicken, avoid overcooking. If you slice it too early, it can dry out.
• Make it Your Own: The pesto-to-pasta ratio is adjustable. Add more pesto if you love that bold flavor!

Nutritional Information

This dish is packed with protein from the chicken and has healthy fats from the olive oil and pesto. It’s filling but not too heavy, making it perfect for a satisfying dinner without the guilt.

• Calories: Approximately 550 per serving (with chicken, not including add-ins)
• Protein: 35g per serving
• Carbs: 45g per serving
• Fat: 25g per serving

Conclusion

Pesto Chicken Penne is the perfect meal when you want something easy, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, zesty pesto, and the comforting texture of penne makes this dish a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether cooking for one or serving a group, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Call to Action

Ready to try this recipe? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! Don’t forget to share your version with us in the comments below—we’d love to hear what variations you tried! Enjoy your pesto chicken penne and happy cooking!