16 Chicken Pesto Pasta Italian Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
When it comes to classic Italian dishes, chicken pesto pasta is a crowd favorite. This flavorful and satisfying dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy pesto sauce for a mouthwatering experience. Not only is it easy to make, but it's also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a simple weeknight meal or dressed up for a special occasion. Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this chicken pesto pasta recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Chicken Breasts, Bowtie Pasta
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful dish with this recipe for creamy pesto chicken pasta with bacon and veggies. Loaded with bold flavors from the pesto and bacon, this dish also packs a nutritious punch with the addition of veggies like asparagus and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
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Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Cooked Chicken, Sundried Tomatoes In Oil
This chicken pesto pasta salad is the perfect dish to bring to a summer BBQ or potluck. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh veggies tossed in a tangy pesto dressing is simply irresistible. And the best part? It can be made in advance and easily transported, making it a convenient and delicious option for any gathering.
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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Chicken Breasts, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper
If you're a fan of creamy pasta dishes, this recipe for creamy chicken pesto pasta is a must-try. The creamy sauce is made with a combination of pesto, cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and delicious flavor that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and al dente pasta. Serve it up for a special occasion or enjoy it as a comforting weeknight dinner.
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Asparagus Pesto with Pasta
Main Ingredients: Asparagus Spears, Baby Spinach Leaves, Garlic, Grated
Take advantage of the abundance of fresh asparagus in the springtime with this recipe for asparagus pesto with pasta. The earthy and slightly sweet flavor of asparagus is the perfect complement to the bold and herbaceous pesto sauce. Toss it with your favorite pasta for a simple and satisfying meal.
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Chicken Pesto Pasta
Main Ingredients: Linguine, Chicken Breasts, Fresh Mozzarella, Pesto
For a classic and easy chicken pesto pasta dish, look no further than this recipe. Tender chicken and al dente pasta are tossed with a simple yet flavorful pesto sauce, creating a dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Add some extra veggies or top with some fresh Parmesan cheese to make it your own.
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Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Olive Oil, Chicken Tenders, Pepper, Salt, Onion
Looking for a comforting and hearty meal? This chicken pesto pasta bake is the answer. The combination of pesto, chicken, and cheese creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Pesto Pasta Salad #ProgressiveEats
Main Ingredients: Pesto, Mayonnaise, Pasta, Artichoke Hearts, Frozen
Give your traditional pasta salad a flavorful twist with this recipe for pesto pasta salad. The tangy and herbaceous pesto adds a burst of flavor to this simple and refreshing dish. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a light lunch, this pasta salad is sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection.
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Pesto Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Italian Parsley, Garlic
Take your pesto pasta to the next level with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes. The sweetness and tanginess of the tomatoes add a delicious contrast to the bold and herbaceous pesto sauce. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein like chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
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Pesto Chicken Bake
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Pesto, Diced
This pesto chicken bake is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The chicken is coated in a flavorful pesto sauce and topped with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese before baking to perfection. Serve it with a side of pasta or veggies for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
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Pesto Mini Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil, Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese, Pine Nuts
This recipe for pesto mini meatball soup is perfect for a chilly day. The mini meatballs are packed with flavor from the pesto and herbs, and the broth is infused with even more pesto for an extra punch of flavor. Serve it with some crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Summer Pesto Mini Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil, Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese, Pine Nuts
Take advantage of the fresh summer produce with this summer pesto mini meatball soup recipe. The addition of zucchini and yellow squash adds a nutritious and delicious element to this already flavorful soup. Enjoy it as a light dinner or pack it for a comforting lunch.
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Chicken Bacon Ravioli [+ Fresh Kale Pesto]
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Ravioli, Flour, Large Eggs, Ravioli Filling
If you're a fan of ravioli, you won't be able to resist this recipe for chicken bacon ravioli with fresh kale pesto. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and homemade pesto takes this dish to the next level. Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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One Pot Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chicken, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning
Looking for a quick and easy dinner option? This one pot creamy chicken pesto pasta has you covered. The pasta cooks in the same pot as the chicken and creamy pesto sauce, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, the flavors meld together perfectly, creating a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.
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Pesto Chicken Lasagna Rolls
Main Ingredients: Pesto, Lasagna Noodles, Chicken, Part Skim Ricotta
Put a twist on traditional lasagna with these pesto chicken lasagna rolls. The chicken and pesto mixture is rolled up in lasagna noodles and topped with a creamy bechamel sauce for a delicious and unique take on a classic dish. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.
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Chicken Minestrone with Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Celery, Medium Carrots
Looking for a hearty and flavorful soup? This chicken minestrone with basil pesto is the perfect option. The addition of pesto adds an herbaceous and tangy flavor to the classic minestrone, making it even more delicious and satisfying. Serve it with some crusty bread for a comforting meal.
Put an Italian twist on your pasta salad with this recipe for Italian pesto pasta salad. The combination of pesto, Italian dressing, and plenty of fresh veggies creates a flavorful and colorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein like chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
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One Pan Chicken Pesto Pasta
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Butter, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Kosher
Looking for a quick and easy meal that only requires one pan? This one pan chicken pesto pasta is the answer. The chicken, pasta, and pesto all cook together in the same pan, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, the flavors meld together perfectly, creating a delicious and satisfying dish.
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Pesto Chicken Tortellini
Main Ingredients: Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini, Boneless Skinless
Satisfy your pasta cravings with this recipe for pesto chicken tortellini. The tender chicken and cheesy tortellini are coated in a flavorful pesto sauce, creating a creamy and delicious dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Pesto Orzo
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Butter, Medium Onion, Garlic, Italian
For a simple yet flavorful side dish, try this recipe for pesto orzo. The small pasta is cooked in a flavorful pesto sauce and topped with some fresh Parmesan cheese for a delicious and satisfying dish. Serve it alongside your favorite protein for a complete meal.
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Chicken Pesto Pasta Alfredo
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Kosher Salt, Pasta Water, Chicken Breasts
This chicken pesto pasta Alfredo is the ultimate indulgence. The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce and tangy pesto creates a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a date night at home. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
The Perfect Pesto
Pesto is a staple in Italian cuisine and is traditionally made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. However, there are endless variations of this delicious sauce, and you can easily customize it to your liking. For a more budget-friendly option, swap out the pine nuts for walnuts or almonds. You can also add in other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or even avocado for a unique twist on the classic. The key to a good pesto is to use high-quality ingredients and to not over-blend it, as it can become bitter.
Marinating the Chicken
For this chicken pesto pasta recipe, marinating the chicken is essential to infusing it with flavor. You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herbs, or you can add in some pesto for an extra boost of flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to develop. You can also prep the chicken the night before and let it marinate in the fridge for even more flavor.
Cooking the Pasta
The key to perfectly cooked pasta is to follow the instructions on the package and to make sure you don't overcook it. For this dish, we recommend using a short pasta like penne or fusilli, as it holds onto the sauce better. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, or has a slight bite to it, and then immediately drain it and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy and will help it hold its shape when mixed with the sauce.
Bringing it All Together
Once the chicken is marinated and the pasta is cooked, it's time to bring it all together. In a large pan, cook the chicken until it is golden and cooked through. Then, add in your pasta and pesto sauce and stir until everything is well coated. You can also add in some extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper for an extra kick of flavor. Serve the chicken pesto pasta hot and garnish with fresh basil for a beautiful and delicious dish.
Final Thoughts
There's a reason why chicken pesto pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine – it's easy to make, versatile, and full of flavor. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. So next time you're craving some Italian comfort food, give this chicken pesto pasta recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you.
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