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Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts

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Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts is a delightful dish that bursts with fresh flavors and textures. Juicy chicken, vibrant basil pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts come together in a colorful pasta masterpiece that will impress your family and friends alike. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • ¼ cup pine nuts (toasted)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside.
  3. Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with cooked chicken. After about two minutes, stir in the pesto sauce until everything is well coated.
  4. Gently fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring it's evenly combined with the sauce.
  5. Toast pine nuts in a dry pan until golden brown, then add them along with grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta mix. Stir until well combined.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: For added flavor, substitute pine nuts with walnuts or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stovetop.

Find it online: https://masonrecipes.com/irresistible-chicken-pesto-pasta-with-tomatoes-pine-nuts/