This pesto hen pasta combines the contemporary, vibrant flavors of basil pesto with juicy cherry tomatoes and tender hen. Prepared in simply 25 minutes, it is the right weeknight dinner that’s each fast and stuffed with taste.
I’ve to confess, pesto is certainly one of my all-time favourite flavors. There’s simply one thing concerning the contemporary, herby goodness of basil mixed with garlic and Parmesan that makes each chunk irresistible.
That’s why I’m so excited to share this pesto hen pasta recipe. It’s a dish I flip to actually because it ticks all of the packing containers: fast, handy, and versatile sufficient to serve for each lunch and dinner.
On these busy weeknights after I need one thing home made however don’t have hours to spend within the kitchen, this pasta all the time comes by way of. Plus, it’s a type of meals that everybody appears to like, making it a win-win for my desk!
Why We Assume You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredient Overview
- Pasta. I like to recommend utilizing penne or fusilli for this recipe, as their shapes maintain onto the pesto sauce fantastically. Nevertheless, be at liberty to make use of any pasta you’ve available.
- Hen. Whether or not you’re beginning with uncooked hen breasts or going with pre-cooked hen, this provides a hearty protein to the dish.
- Pesto Sauce. The star of the present! You should use store-bought pesto for comfort, or make your individual in case you have contemporary basil available. Both approach, the wealthy, herby taste actually brings this dish to life.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes. These add a juicy pop of sweetness and freshness to steadiness the richness of the pesto. Halving them helps unfold the flavour all through the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese. A beneficiant sprinkling of grated Parmesan ties every thing along with its salty, nutty taste.
- Garlic. A few cloves of minced garlic give the dish a deliciously fragrant base.
- Olive Oil. Used for sautéing the garlic and hen, olive oil provides a pleasant, refined richness to the dish. Select good high quality olive oil.
- Salt and Pepper. Important for seasoning, a little bit salt and pepper go a protracted method to improve all of the flavors.
Variations
- Swap the Protein. Do this dish with shrimp, turkey, and even tofu for a special twist.
- Swap the Sauce. If pesto isn’t your factor, swap it out for marinara or a easy tomato sauce. It pairs simply as effectively with the hen and pasta, providing you with a traditional taste mixture.
- Add Veggies. Increase the vitamin by including sautéed spinach, roasted purple peppers, or zucchini.
- Go Creamy. Stir in a little bit heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to make a creamy pesto sauce.
- Use a Totally different Pasta. Swap it up with spaghetti, rigatoni, or perhaps a complete grain or gluten-free pasta.
- Nuts or Seeds. Add some toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for a little bit of crunch.
Storage
Fridge. Retailer any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3-4 days. Reheat within the microwave or on the stovetop, including a splash of water or broth to maintain the pasta from drying out.
Freezer. You may freeze this pasta for as much as 2 months. To reheat, thaw it within the fridge in a single day and heat it on the stovetop with a little bit further pesto to refresh the flavors.
Suggestions
- Cook dinner Pasta Al Dente. You should definitely cook dinner your pasta till simply al dente, as it is going to proceed to cook dinner barely when combined with the pesto sauce.
- Save Some Pasta Water. Earlier than draining the pasta, reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water. If wanted, you’ll be able to add a splash to the ultimate dish to assist the sauce coat the pasta extra evenly.
- Use Contemporary Pesto. For the very best outcomes, use contemporary pesto. If utilizing store-bought, search for one made with high quality substances, or think about making your individual at residence.
- Pre-Cook dinner the Hen. In case you’re quick on time, utilizing pre-cooked rotisserie hen is a good way to chop down on prep time.
- Mixing in Cheese. Add the Parmesan cheese simply earlier than serving to maintain its texture and ensure it melts properly over the nice and cozy pasta.
- Additional Taste. For an additional burst of taste, end the dish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of purple pepper flakes or contemporary basil.
Associated Recipes
- 12 ounces pasta penne or fusilli really helpful
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless hen breasts 6 ounces every, or 2 cups cooked hen breast, shredded or diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to style
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Boil the pasta in accordance with bundle directions till al dente. Drain and put aside.
12 ounces pasta
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Whereas the pasta cooks, warmth 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium warmth. Lay the hen breasts out on a slicing board, pat them dry, cowl them with plastic wrap and flatten then to an excellent thickness with a meat tenderizer. Take away the plastic wrap, and season them with salt and pepper, and cook dinner for 5-7 minutes per facet, till the hen is golden and totally cooked (inside temperature of 165 F (74 C). Take away the hen from the skillet, let it relaxation for a couple of minutes, then cube or shred it. Put aside. Be aware.
2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 boneless, skinless hen breasts
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In the identical skillet, warmth 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium warmth. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute till aromatic. Add the cooked hen and cook dinner for an extra 2-3 minutes.
2 cloves garlic
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Stir within the pesto sauce and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook dinner for one more 2 minutes till heated by way of.
1 cup pesto sauce, 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss every thing collectively till effectively mixed.
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Season with salt and pepper to style. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Salt and pepper, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
You should use 2 cups of cooked hen breast as an alternative to save lots of time.
Energy: 743kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 30g | Fats: 36g | Saturated Fats: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 2g | Monounsaturated Fats: 6g | Trans Fats: 0.01g | Ldl cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 874mg | Potassium: 509mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1557IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 238mg | Iron: 2mg
Servings: 4 servings
Energy: 743kcal
