Flavorful Chicken Pesto Pasta for Dinner

Introduction

This Flavorful Chicken Pesto Pasta for Dinner is a guaranteed mealtime winner, bursting with herby, garlicky notes and juicy bites of chicken. It’s the perfect way to elevate a regular weeknight into something restaurant-worthy without the fuss, offering lightning-fast preparation, minimal cleanup, and bold Italian flavors. Whether you need a crowd-pleaser for family or a comforting bowl for yourself, this pasta delivers comfort and elegance in equal measure.

Why Chicken Pesto Pasta Wins Dinner

The secret to this chicken pesto pasta’s appeal lies in the vibrant homemade pesto and perfectly cooked chicken, which create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each forkful features tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a basil-rich pesto that envelops the dish with freshness. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty layer, making this pasta irresistible to all ages and apt for any occasion.

Making Your Pesto Like a Pro

Fresh pesto truly makes the difference in this recipe. To get the silkiest, most flavorful sauce, use a quality blender like the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black. Blend together basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil until smooth. This appliance ensures the pesto is creamy, not gritty, so every bite of pasta is coated with herby perfection.

How to Quickly Prepare Perfect Chicken

Aim for tender, juicy chicken pieces by searing them in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch—its even heat distribution creates a golden crust while keeping the meat moist. For effortless dicing, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is indispensable, producing uniform cubes for fast, even cooking. Take care not to overcook; for best results, use a thermometer like the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Plating and Serving for Maximum Enjoyment

After tossing the pasta and chicken with pesto, serve straight from the skillet or pack it for lunch using an airtight Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green to keep it fresh and transportable. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves make the dish visually striking and full of flavor. Pair with a crisp salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian-inspired meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves four and delivers around 480 calories per plate (depending on pasta and cheese amounts). Rich in lean protein, olive oil, and fresh greens, this meal balances nutrition with satisfying comfort.

Flavorful Chicken Pesto Pasta Recap

Flavorful Chicken Pesto Pasta pairs juicy seared chicken with vibrant, homemade pesto and perfectly cooked pasta for an unforgettable dinner. It’s easy to prepare, hard to resist, and destined to become a staple in your household dining rotation.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Meanwhile, heat the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil, then add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat.
3. While the chicken cooks, prepare your pesto. In a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, and 1/3 cup olive oil. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
4. Slice chicken quickly and evenly with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for uniform results.
5. Toss drained pasta, chicken, and pesto in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the sauce lightly coats the noodles. Season to taste and heat over low until warmed through.
6. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and optional cherry tomatoes. For meal prep, store in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green to keep portions fresh.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy a dinner that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful, bringing a burst of Italian freshness to your table!