Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the creamy, flavor-packed delight of Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta, a dish that effortlessly combines tender bites of seared chicken with the bright flavors of cherry tomatoes and zesty basil pesto. Tossed with al dente penne pasta and a luscious cream-based sauce, this quick and easy recipe is elevated with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fragrant basil for a restaurant-quality finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Whether you're a fan of hearty chicken pasta recipes or crave the rich, vibrant flavors of pesto, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy both.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 cup basil pesto
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest. Slice into strips once cooled slightly.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until well combined and slightly thickened.

Step 6

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding small amounts of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 8

Fold in the sliced chicken and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the chicken is warmed through and the cheese is melted.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1329.9 grams (1329.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3360

Total Fat 165.50g	212%
Saturated Fat 51.70g	259%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 485mg	162%
Sodium 4129mg	180%
Total Carbohydrate 274.20g	100%
Dietary Fiber 16.50g	59%
Total Sugars 13.60g
Protein 183.50g	367%

Vitamin D 4IU	18%
Calcium 980mg	75%
Iron 19mg	106%
Potassium 2920mg	62%

*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: 44.9%

Protein: 22.1%

Carbs: 33.0%