Chicken Pesto Pasta

Three words that go together like no other which is chicken pesto pasta. Why would they not all be great together. Anytime I make pasta and pesto and put a protein in with it then you know it's bound to be great. 

Technically this is my mom's recipe, but I wanted to make sure everyone had access to this amazing recipe that my mom made with me when I went to see her. 

Can you believe that she is about to turn 80 years old. Holy Smoke, I still can't believe it and she only looks about 40 years old. 

This dish is actually very easy to make, and it is served with some garlic bread or even focaccia bread or whatever tasty treat you would like to serve alongside with it. 

Its actually one of those meals if you have everything in front of you, then you can knock this recipe out in as little as 30 minutes. Who doesn't want a delicious home cooked meal that takes 30 minutes?? Me that's who especially for all those busy moms out there.

Helpful Items for Making Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Flint and Flame Knives - I use these daily and have had them for over 2 years. I've yet to sharpen them! Definitely great quality knives. Code CHEFTIM40 to get 40% this knife or their entire website.
• Food Processor - You'll need this for making the pesto in this recipe.
• Salt - When I'm using salt as a topper for finishing dishes, I like to use a quality salt.
• Bench Scraper - No joke.. everytime I cook I use this. You'll surprise yourself with how much you'll end up using it!
• Measuring Cups - Having a set of different sizes is lifesaving in the kitchen! This Anchor brand is my go to.
• 7 qt Hexclad Pot - You'll need a larger pot for boiling ingredients for your red pepper sauce. I use Hexclad pots and pans in the kitchen daily. They've held up amazingly!
• Skillet with High Sides - Great for searing meat and cooking sauces all at the same time. Save clean up time with this all in one Skillet!
• Aluminum Foil Pans - Having these throw away pans are extremely convenient at clean up time. For this recipe, you'll use the foil pan to catch juice from the Prime Rib to make Au Jus.

Ingredients you'll need for Chicken Pesto Pasta

Pesto

• 3 oz Toasted Pine Nuts
• 4 Cloves Garlic
• 3 Cups Basil, cleaned leaves only
• ⅓ Cup Parmesan Cheese
• 1 ½ teaspoon Lemon Juice
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• ¼ Cup EVOO, extra virgin olive oil

Chicken Pasta

• 2 - 8oz Chicken Breasts, cleaned
• 2 tablespoon EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 ½ teaspoon Salt
• 1 ½ teaspoon Pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoon Garlic
• 1 Onion, diced
• 1 ½ Cups Chicken Stock
• ¾ Cup Heavy Cream
• 2 Cups Pasta, uncooked (Bowtie, Rigatoni or your choice)
• 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes, cut in half
• ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese, for topping
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil, for topping

How to make The Perfect Chicken Pesto Pasta

Prepping

Step 1 : Set out measured ingredients. Chop onions and cut tomatoes in half.  Set aside. Fill up the stock pot with water and set to medium high heat.

Making Pesto

Step 2 : Place pine nuts and garlic in a food processor and pulse to mince.

Step 3 : Then, place remaining ingredients and puree until all ingredients are completely incorporated.

Cook Chicken and Pasta

Step 4 : Clean chicken and pat dry. Season chicken breast with salt, pepper and garlic.

Step 5 : Set the skillet on the stove over medium heat.  Once the pan is hot, add in EVOO.

Step 6 : Place chicken in the skillet and sear on each side for 3 minutes. Once you have a sear, cook another 3-4 minutes with a lid to cook chicken until internal temp is 150°F.  Then, remove from the skillet and place on cutting board.

Step 7 : Add chopped onions to skillet and cook until soft (about 5 minutes),  stirring to ensure they don't burn.

Step 8 : Turn up the heat to medium high and add in your chicken stock. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium until ⅓ of the liquid has cooked out. Chop chicken and add back into the skillet.

Step 9 : Once boiling, salt your pasta water and add in pasta.

Combine and Plate

Step 10 : Add one cup of the pesto to skillet and stir to incorporate with chicken.

Step 11 : Strain pasta and add pasta to the skillet.  Stir well.  Add in heavy cream and stir in cherry tomatoes.

Step 12 : Stir and cook over medium heat, stirring consistently for 3 minutes and to cook in the tomatoes and cream.

Step 13 : Remove from heat, serve in a pasta bowl or plate and top with basil, a little more pesto and some parmesan.

What are the "must haves" on your family menus? Let me know your families favorite recipes in the comments! I love gathering ideas from fellow cooks!

Recipe

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