The Ultimate Guide to Making Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken

Delicious pesto pasta with grilled chicken recipe. Perfect combination of flavors for a satisfying meal. Easy to make and enjoy!

Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that is easy to make? Look no further than Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken! This dish combines the rich flavors of homemade pesto sauce with tender grilled chicken, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Read on to learn how to make this mouthwatering dish in just a few simple steps.

Reasons to Make Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken

  1. It’s a crowd-pleaser: Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken is a dish that everyone loves. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
  2. It’s easy to make: Despite its gourmet appearance, this dish is actually quite simple to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and some easy-to-follow instructions, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.
  3. It’s versatile: You can customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Add extra veggies, swap out the protein, or adjust the seasoning to create a dish that is uniquely yours.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 pound of pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
  • 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup of pine nuts
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Start by preparing the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if needed to reach your desired consistency.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill them over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Slice the chicken into strips and set aside.
  3. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
  4. In a large skillet, combine the cooked pasta, pesto sauce, and reserved cooking water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
  5. Add the grilled chicken strips to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is heated through.
  6. Serve the Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Tips for Making Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken:

  • For a lighter version of this dish, you can use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles in place of traditional pasta.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop or bake it in the oven until done.
  • Feel free to add in extra veggies such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you are cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is a winner. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get cooking today!

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