Are you craving a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that looks like it's straight from a gourmet restaurant but can be whipped up faster than you can order takeout? Look no further! This Penne with Chicken and Pesto recipe is about to become your new weeknight superhero - combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious pesto sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply someone who loves delicious food, this recipe is your ticket to a quick, elegant meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, pat chicken breast slices dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is shimmering, add chicken slices in a single layer.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, ensuring it's golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest briefly.
- Drain cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Return pasta to the pot and add pesto sauce, stirring to coat evenly. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Slice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the pasta.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and chicken, gently tossing to combine.
- Serve immediately in warm plates, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- For the most flavorful chicken, pat the meat completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness - 165°F (74°C) is the perfect internal temperature to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Save a little pasta water before draining! This starchy liquid helps create a silkier, more cohesive sauce when mixed with pesto.
- If you want to elevate the dish, try using homemade pesto or a high-quality store-bought version for the best flavor.
- For extra texture, consider toasting some pine nuts or adding fresh basil leaves as a garnish just before serving.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or use gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
