Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe – Italian Special
Pesto Pasta with Chicken is a quick, satisfying Italian-inspired dinner featuring tender chicken, bow tie pasta, and sun-dried tomatoes all coated in vibrant basil pesto. This flavorful yet simple dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals while offering the comforting taste of home.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time20 min
- Total Time30 min
Pesto Pasta with Chicken Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounce) package of bow tie pasta
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and cut into strips
How to Make Pesto Pasta with Chicken
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until tender, then add the diced chicken and season with red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is golden and fully cooked.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken with garlic and red pepper flakes, pesto sauce, and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Recipe Notes:
Cook pasta until al dente following package instructions, then drain thoroughly for perfect texture.
Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant before adding diced chicken to ensure rich flavor.
Use sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy-sweet depth that complements the pesto beautifully.
Mix the cooked pasta, chicken, tomatoes, and pesto thoroughly for even coating.
Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, for added richness.
