Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Chicken Pesto Pasta, a perfect one-dish meal that brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy cheeses, all enveloped in a luscious pesto sauce. This recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Chicken Pesto Pasta |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Category | One Dish Meal |
| Servings | 4 |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Review Count | 4 |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Content |
|---|---|
| Calories | 536.9 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 90.2 mg |
| Sodium | 300.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 59.2 g |
| Fiber | 3.6 g |
| Sugar | 4.2 g |
| Protein | 43.9 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | boneless skinless chicken breast |
| 1 | tablespoon olive oil |
| 1 | medium onion, chopped |
| 3 | cloves garlic, minced |
| 12 | ounces zucchini, diced |
| 1/4 | teaspoon salt |
| 1 | teaspoon black pepper |
| 3 | cups tomato sauce |
| 2 1/2 | cups water |
| 1 | pound pasta (penne or fusilli) |
| 1 | cup pesto sauce |
| 1 | cup mozzarella cheese, shredded |
| 1/4 | cup parmesan cheese, grated |
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless skinless chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. In a large non-stick frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, cooking until they are golden brown and cooked through, which should take approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the frying pan and set it aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same frying pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Next, add the diced zucchini, along with the salt and black pepper, continuing to cook until the zucchini is tender, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
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Combine with Tomato Sauce: Once the vegetables are cooked, pour in the tomato sauce and add 2 1/2 cups of water to the pan. Stir to combine, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
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Cook the Pasta: When the sauce is boiling, add the pasta of your choice to the pan. Stir well, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on the pasta and continue to simmer until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
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Final Touches: Once the pasta is cooked, uncover the pan and carefully return the cooked chicken to the mixture, stirring gently to combine. Pour in the pesto sauce and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
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Serve and Garnish: To finish, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the pasta. Allow the cheese to melt slightly before serving. This dish can be enjoyed straight from the pan or transferred to individual plates for a more polished presentation.
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Enjoy: Serve your Chicken Pesto Pasta warm, garnished with extra parmesan if desired. This comforting dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Keywords
Chicken Breast, Chicken, Poultry, Meat, < 60 Mins
This Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that your family will love, and it makes for a fantastic meal option when time is of the essence. Enjoy the fresh taste of pesto with succulent chicken and tender pasta for a meal that truly shines!
