Description
Creamy, herb-packed, and loaded with grilled chicken, this Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta is a quick dinner idea that tastes like a restaurant-quality dish. Twirls of al dente rotini are coated in garlicky basil pesto and parmesan, making this easy recipe perfect for weeknights, lunch prep, or serving guests. It’s a must-try for anyone looking for fresh dinner ideas or delicious food ideas packed with flavor.
Ingredients
8 oz rotini pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2/3 cup basil pesto
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add basil pesto and the cooked pasta. Toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
4. Stir in grated parmesan until melted. Add cherry tomatoes if using. Top with sliced chicken and garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
You can swap chicken with grilled shrimp or roasted veggies for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups (approximate)
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: easy dinner, chicken pasta, pesto pasta, basil pesto, quick dinner