Pesto Chicken Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil pesto in one delicious pasta dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Packed with fresh basil pesto flavor
- Family-friendly and easy to customize
- Uses simple pantry and refrigerator staples
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Combines protein, pasta, and vegetables in one dish
Ingredients
- 6 ounces penne pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 10 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup pesto
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 10–12 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on one side.
- Flip and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, add the halved tomatoes and cook over medium heat until softened and slightly burst, releasing their juices.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomatoes.
- Toss the pasta to coat it in the flavorful tomato juices.
- Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet.
- Add the pesto and stir until the Pesto Chicken Pasta is evenly coated.
- Add the mozzarella pearls and gently stir to combine.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming soft after mixing.
- Store-bought pesto works well, but homemade pesto provides even fresher flavor.
- Substitute rotini, fusilli, or farfalle for penne.
- Add spinach, zucchini, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor variation.
- Reserve a small amount of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Nut-containing pesto; can be made gluten-free with gluten-free pasta
Notes
- Fresh mozzarella pearls provide a creamy texture, but diced fresh mozzarella can also be used.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be substituted for fresh tomatoes for a richer flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
- For extra freshness, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQ
Can I make Pesto Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dish up to one day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to reheat.
What type of pesto works best?
Traditional basil pesto is the most popular option, but spinach pesto or arugula pesto also work well.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide extra moisture and flavor.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, although the mozzarella texture may change slightly after thawing.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta.
What vegetables pair well with chicken pesto pasta?
Spinach, broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, and roasted bell peppers are excellent additions.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Similar Recipes
Pesto Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 6 ounces penne pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 10 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- 3/4 cup pesto
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 10–12 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on one side.
- Flip and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, add the halved tomatoes and cook over medium heat until softened and slightly burst, releasing their juices.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomatoes.
- Toss the pasta to coat it in the flavorful tomato juices.
- Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet.
- Add the pesto and stir until the Pesto Chicken Pasta is evenly coated.
- Add the mozzarella pearls and gently stir to combine.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh mozzarella pearls provide a creamy texture, but diced fresh mozzarella can also be used.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be substituted for fresh tomatoes for a richer flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
- For extra freshness, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Conclusion
This Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. Tender chicken, vibrant pesto, sweet tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella come together in a comforting meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Once you try this easy pasta recipe, it may become a regular favorite in your dinner rotation.