Elevate your culinary skills with this delightful Chicken Pesto Pasta that seamlessly combines vibrant flavours and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to become a favourite. Let’s embark on a culinary journey filled with the richness of basil pesto, succulent chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta.
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Ingredients

8 oz (about 225g) penne pasta

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Basil Pesto:

2 cups fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup pine nuts

2 garlic cloves

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Basil Pesto:

a. In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic.

b. Pulse until coarsely chopped.

c. With the processor running, gradually add olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency.

d. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Cook the Pasta:

a. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.

b. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

c. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

3. Prepare the Chicken:

a. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

b. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil.

c. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides and cooked through.

d. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

4. Assemble the dish:

a. In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives.

b. Toss in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, stirring to combine.

c. Add the sliced chicken and grated Parmesan cheese.

d. Drizzle the basil pesto over the mixture and toss until everything is well-coated.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

a. Divide the Chicken Pesto Pasta among plates.

b. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

c. Serve immediately and savour the delightful blend of flavors.

Indulge in the culinary magic of this Chicken Pesto Pasta, where each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a celebratory feast, this dish showcases the simplicity of quality ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Gather your loved ones, embark on this gastronomic adventure, and relish the joy of homemade goodness.
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