30 Minute Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

When you’re short on time but craving a flavorful, satisfying meal, this 30-Minute Pesto Chicken Pasta is your perfect solution. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a vibrant, creamy pesto sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste in a fraction of the time. It’s a versatile recipe that works for busy weeknights, casual dinners with friends, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

Whether you use homemade pesto or store-bought, the fresh and herbaceous flavors shine in every bite. Ready in just half an hour, this recipe is the ultimate combination of speed, simplicity, and deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy schedules with minimal prep and cleanup.
2. Bursting with Flavor: The pesto sauce is rich, garlicky, and herbaceous.
3. Customizable: Swap the protein, pasta type, or add veggies to make it your own.
4. Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Pesto Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the pesto. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the pesto sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
2. Add Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
3. Optional Add-Ins: If using, toss in cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the Pasta: Divide the pasta among serving bowls or plates.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil leaves. Serve warm.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Pesto: Homemade pesto adds a fresher, more vibrant flavor. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality brand.
2. Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to cling to the pasta better.
3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture, especially when tossed in sauce.
4. Cook Chicken Evenly: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for consistent cooking. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure a good sear.

Variations

1. Protein Swaps: Replace chicken with shrimp, salmon, or even cooked sausage.
2. Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
3. Whole Grain or Gluten-Free: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
4. Extra Veggies: Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or peas for extra color and flavor.
5. Spicy Kick: Stir in a tablespoon of chili paste or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Pair with a fresh Caesar or mixed green salad.
• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crusty garlic bread complements the dish perfectly.
• Wine Pairing: Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Why This Recipe Works

This 30-Minute Pesto Chicken Pasta strikes the perfect balance between flavor, simplicity, and speed. The pesto’s nutty, garlicky notes complement the juicy chicken, while the pasta provides the ultimate comfort food base. The addition of cream adds a luscious texture, making this dish irresistible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can cook the chicken and prepare the pesto sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
2. What’s the best way to reheat pesto pasta?
   Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
3. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
   Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds convenience to the recipe.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

This 30-Minute Pesto Chicken Pasta is a versatile, delicious, and foolproof recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite. It’s proof that great food doesn’t have to take hours to prepare. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort, this dish is always a winner.

Yield: 4

30 Minute Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

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When you're short on time but craving a flavorful, satisfying meal, this 30-Minute Pesto Chicken Pasta is your perfect solution. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a vibrant, creamy pesto sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste in a fraction of the time. It’s a versatile recipe that works for busy weeknights, casual dinners with friends, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Pesto Sauce
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• For the Chicken
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Pasta
• 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
• Water for boiling
• Salt for the pasta water
• For Garnish
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
• Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.

2. Cook the Chicken

• While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.

3. Prepare the Pesto Sauce

• In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and lemon juice.
• Pulse until everything is finely chopped.
• With the processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and well-combined.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Pesto

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet (you can use the same skillet you cooked the chicken in).
• Pour in the pesto sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
• Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.

5. Serve

• Divide the pesto chicken pasta into serving bowls.
• Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top can add a nice bright finish.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: You can make the pesto sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.