Nut-Free Pesto Chicken Pasta

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Nut-Free Pesto Chicken Pasta—a creamy, flavorful twist on a classic dish that’s perfect for those with nut allergies. Featuring tender, golden-browned chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a homemade pesto made without nuts, this recipe bursts with the fresh flavors of basil, garlic, and tangy lemon juice. Tossed in a luscious cream sauce and complemented by juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish is as comforting as it is elegant. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser ideal for busy evenings or even entertaining guests. Serve it hot, garnished with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for a pasta experience that’s as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Pasta of choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 cup Cherryo tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup Heavy cream

Directions

Step 1

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

2. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 3

3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing them into strips.

Step 4

4. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Blend until a smooth paste forms to make the nut-free pesto.

Step 5

5. In the same skillet, add the nut-free pesto and heavy cream. Stir and cook over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6

6. Add the cooked pasta and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the pesto sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 7

7. Add the sliced chicken strips to the pasta and gently mix to combine.

Step 8

8. Serve the nut-free pesto chicken pasta hot, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and additional basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1281.7 grams (1281.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2676

Total Fat 162.30g	208%
Saturated Fat 74.70g	374%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 616mg	205%
Sodium 4072mg	177%
Total Carbohydrate 119.80g	44%
Dietary Fiber 10.30g	37%
Total Sugars 8.40g
Protein 163.40g	327%

Vitamin D 4IU	18%
Calcium 1041mg	80%
Iron 7mg	41%
Potassium 1631mg	35%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.3%

Protein: 25.2%

Carbs: 18.5%