Description
Looking for an easy dinner that feels gourmet? Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta is a quick, flavorful meal idea perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend dinners. This easy recipe pairs grilled chicken breast with al dente pasta, coated in a vibrant basil pesto sauce for an irresistible, herbaceous bite. Great for dinner ideas, healthy meals, or when you’re craving something Italian-inspired without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s one of those food ideas you’ll come back to again and again — perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, or light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz penne pasta
1 cup basil pesto
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. In a hot skillet or grill pan, sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Let rest.
3. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
4. Slice rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
5. Toss the drained pasta with pesto. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Plate pasta and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with parmesan and fresh basil. Serve warm.
Notes
Resting the chicken after cooking keeps it juicy and tender.
Use high-quality or fresh pesto for a vibrant, bold flavor.
A splash of pasta water helps emulsify and evenly distribute the pesto.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop & Grilled
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg