Description
A delightful Italian-inspired recipe featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed with tender, golden-brown chicken pieces and vibrant basil pesto. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness, while toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese provide a satisfying crunch and rich flavor. This quick and easy stovetop dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner and can be easily customized with gluten-free pasta or made vegetarian by omitting the chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Extras
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set both aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Sauté the Tomatoes: Reduce the heat to medium and add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly but still retain some shape.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the prepared basil pesto. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly in the pesto sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and chopped fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful penne with chicken and pesto.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.
- Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker and easier version of this dish.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten intolerance or dietary preferences.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
