Pesto Pasta With Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

Pantry Staples

The ingredients needed to make a delicious Pesto Pasta with Chicken are quite straightforward, but it’s essential to have the right pantry staples on hand to bring out the flavors in this dish.

For the pasta component, you’ll need:

Freshly made or store-bought pesto sauce (about 1/4 cup per serving)

Penne pasta or other long, flat noodles of your choice (1 pound per serving)

Extra virgin olive oil (for tossing with the cooked pasta and to drizzle on top)

To add some protein and texture to the dish:

Cooked chicken breast or thighs (diced into bite-sized pieces), marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper

Optional: cherry tomatoes halved, sliced olives, artichoke hearts, or other ingredients that complement pesto well

The pantry staples you’ll need to bring it all together:

Garlic powder (to add depth without the pungency of fresh garlic)

Dried basil and oregano (to enhance the herbal flavors in the pesto sauce)

Cooking salt and black pepper (the foundation of flavor for any dish)

Crushed red pepper flakes (for added heat, if desired)

Of course, a good quality olive oil is essential for both cooking and finishing dishes like this. The Italian staple also adds richness to the pasta and helps bind the flavors together.

Last but not least, don’t forget to have some grated Parmesan cheese on hand – either freshly shredded or the pre-shredded kind will do! A sprinkle of it can add a salty, nutty flavor that complements pesto perfectly.

• 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice

The key to making a great Pesto Pasta with Chicken dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, particularly when it comes to the pasta itself.

Pasta is an essential component of this Italian-inspired recipe, and there are many types to choose from.

For this specific recipe, you can use any type of short, sturdy pasta that pairs well with pesto sauce. Popular options include penne, fusilli, or farfalle.

If you want to stay true to traditional Italian flavors, a classic choice would be pappardelle – wide, flat noodles made from egg and flour.

However, feel free to experiment with other shapes and sizes of pasta to find the one that suits your taste buds the best.

The amount specified in the recipe is 8 oz (225g) – enough for a single serving or two depending on serving size.

Make sure to choose a high-quality pasta that cooks evenly, as this will affect the final texture and consistency of your dish.

It’s worth noting that some types of pasta might require slightly different cooking times, so be sure to check the package instructions for specific guidance.

Ultimately, the choice of pasta is up to personal preference, but with a little experimentation, you’ll find the perfect one to complement your Pesto Pasta with Chicken recipe.

• 1/4 cup (30g) pine nuts

Pine nuts are a key ingredient in traditional pesto sauce and add a rich, nutty flavor to the dish. To measure out the correct amount, you will need to use a digital kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure that you have 30g of pine nuts.

The pine nuts should be fresh and of high quality to get the best flavor from them. You can usually find pine nuts in the baking aisle or international foods section of most supermarkets. If you are having trouble finding pine nuts, you can also look for them at specialty food stores or online.

When choosing pine nuts, it’s essential to select ones that are free from oil and have a light color. Avoid pine nuts that are dark or have an oily sheen, as they may be old or rancid. It’s also essential to check the expiration date on the packaging to ensure that you are using fresh pine nuts.

To toast the pine nuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the pine nuts out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until lightly toasted. This will enhance their flavor and texture.

Once the pine nuts are toasted, allow them to cool completely before using them in the pesto sauce. You can store any leftover pine nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

When preparing the pesto sauce, use a food processor or blender to grind the pine nuts with garlic, basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until you get a smooth paste. You can also add lemon juice to brighten the flavor of the sauce.

• 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese

The first ingredient listed for this recipe is 1/4 cup (60g) of grated Parmesan cheese.

When it comes to selecting a suitable type of Parmesan cheese, there are several options to consider.

Firstly, look for a high-quality Parmesan cheese that is made from cow’s milk and has been aged for a minimum of two years.

This will ensure that the cheese has developed its characteristic nutty, fruity flavor and crumbly texture.

You can find grated Parmesan cheese in most supermarkets or specialty food stores.

If you’re having trouble finding pre-grated Parmesan cheese, you can also grate your own block of Parmesan using a box grater or food processor with the shredding attachment.

Be sure to grate the cheese finely, as this will help it distribute evenly throughout the pesto sauce and pasta.

It’s worth noting that aged Parmesan cheese is a more expensive option than younger versions of the cheese.

However, its rich, complex flavor makes it well worth the extra cost.

If you’re on a tighter budget, you can also consider using a combination of grated Parmesan and another hard cheese, such as Pecorino or Romano.

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

Garlic is an essential ingredient in many Italian dishes, including pesto pasta. In this recipe, 2 cloves of garlic are used to add depth and richness to the sauce. To prepare the garlic, it’s first peeled, which involves removing the papery outer skin that covers each clove. Once peeled, the garlic is then minced, or finely chopped into small pieces.

The process of mincing garlic involves using a sharp knife or a specialized tool called a press to break down the cloves into smaller fragments. This helps to release their natural oils and flavors, which can be released when cooked in the pesto sauce. To ensure that the garlic is evenly minced, it’s best to cut each clove in half first and then chop them again into small pieces.

In this recipe, the minced garlic will be combined with basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to create a classic Italian pesto sauce. The garlic will add a pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients, creating a harmonious balance of flavors in the finished dish.

It’s worth noting that using fresh, high-quality garlic is crucial for achieving the best results in this recipe. Fresh garlic has a more vibrant and intense flavor than older cloves, which can become bitter or unpleasant with age. By selecting fresh garlic and mincing it carefully, you’ll be able to create a pesto sauce that’s full of flavor and aroma.

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Salt is a fundamental seasoning ingredient that enhances the flavor of dishes, including the Pesto Pasta with Chicken recipe.

There are various types of salt available, each with its unique texture and flavor profile.

The most commonly used salts in cooking include:

• Iodized Salt

• Salt Flakes

• Coarse or Kosher Salt

• Fleur de Sel

When it comes to the Pesto Pasta with Chicken recipe, you can use any of these salt types.

Freshly ground black pepper adds a sharp and distinct flavor to dishes, which is essential for balancing out other ingredients in the recipe.

Black pepper’s unique flavor profile complements the herbs and spices typically used in pesto, creating an aromatic and savory taste experience.

To use freshly ground black pepper effectively, it is recommended to grind whole peppercorns just before using them in cooking.

This way, you can be sure that your dish has the best possible flavor, as the oils within the peppercorns are released immediately upon grinding.

When selecting salt and black pepper for the Pesto Pasta with Chicken recipe, choose products from reputable sources to ensure optimal quality and taste.

Preparation

Cooking the Pasta and Chicken

To begin with, it’s essential to prepare all the necessary ingredients before commencing cooking.

The required ingredients include:

• 500g pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or linguine)
• 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce
• Lemon wedges (optional)

To prepare the chicken, you need to:

1. Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry using paper towels.
2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces if desired.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together salt and pepper.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the dish and coat evenly with the salt and pepper mixture.

To cook the pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 4-5 cups of water for every pound of pasta).
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and stir gently.
3. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-12 minutes).

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic cloves, and olive oil.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

To cook the chicken, heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat:

1. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
2. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

To assemble the dish, combine the cooked pasta, pesto sauce, and chicken in a large serving bowl:

1. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl.
2. Spoon the pesto sauce over the pasta.
3. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges (if using).

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

In preparation for a delicious pesto pasta dish, it’s essential to start by cooking the perfect al dente pasta.

Here are the steps to bring your pasta game on:

1. Cooking the Pasta
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• The amount of salt is crucial, as it enhances the flavor and texture of the pasta. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of salt for every pound of pasta.

This is an opportunity to talk about why salt is necessary in cooking pasta:

Salting the water helps season the pasta as it cooks, but it also plays a more significant role in the cooking process itself. Salt helps break down the starches on the surface of the pasta, making it easier for the pasta to cook evenly and preventing it from becoming sticky or mushy.

Now back to cooking the pasta:

1. Cooking Time
• Cook the pasta according to package instructions, but make sure it’s not overcooked. You want your pasta al dente, which means slightly resistant to the bite.

For a perfectly cooked pesto pasta dish, cook your spaghetti or linguine for about 7-9 minutes in boiling water, depending on the type of pasta you choose and its package instructions. Some packages may recommend different cooking times, so be sure to check the packaging.

As soon as your pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander under cold running water to stop it from cooking further and prevent any excess starches from making the sauce sticky or clumpy. Now you’re ready to combine it with the pesto chicken!

• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breast and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through.

To prepare a delicious Pesto Pasta with Chicken dish, it’s essential to start by preparing all the ingredients needed for the recipe. This includes cooking the chicken breast and making the pesto sauce from scratch.

First, begin by seasoning the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and promote even browning.

Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chicken breast and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through. This will take about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken breast.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce by combining fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and lemon zest in a food processor or blender. Process the mixture until smooth and well combined, adding olive oil as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

To assemble the dish, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and pesto sauce in a large bowl or serving dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the pesto sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Finally, garnish the Pesto Pasta with Chicken with some extra basil leaves and Parmesan cheese to add color and freshness to the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

• Remove the chicken from the saucepan and set aside.

To prepare the next step in making a delicious Pesto Pasta with Chicken dish, follow these steps:

The first step involves removing the chicken from the saucepan where it has been cooking in the pesto sauce. This requires using a pair of tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully lift the chicken out of the hot liquid.

Once you have removed the chicken from the saucepan, place it on a clean plate or tray where it can rest while the pasta cooks.

The next step is to bring the pasta to a boil in a large pot of salted water. While waiting for the pasta to cook, take this opportunity to prepare a flavorful sauce to serve with the pesto chicken and pasta.

Or, you can follow these steps in a numbered list:

1. Remove the chicken from the saucepan using tongs or a slotted spoon.
2. Place the cooked chicken on a clean plate or tray to rest while the pasta cooks.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.

You can also use HTML bullet points:

• Remove the chicken from the saucepan using tongs or a slotted spoon.
• Set the chicken aside on a clean plate or tray.
• Proceed with cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted water.

Assembly and Serving

Making the Pesto Sauce

To begin making the pesto sauce for your Pesto Pasta with Chicken recipe, you will need a few key ingredients and tools.

First, gather these essential items:

• Basics: Fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts or walnuts (your choice), grated Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil
• Essential Equipment: A food processor or blender, a microplane grater for the Parmesan cheese, a measuring cup and spoons

In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• Herbs & Spices: 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 3 cloves of garlic (peeled and minced)

Now, in your food processor or blender, combine the following ingredients:

• Nuts & Cheese: 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Oil: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Process the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency and is well combined.

Add this processed mixture to your bowl with the herbs and spices, mixing gently to combine.

Season to taste with salt and a bit more olive oil if needed.

The pesto sauce is now ready to use in your Pesto Pasta with Chicken recipe!

• In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Process until well combined.

The assembly and serving of a delicious Pesto Pasta with Chicken dish requires a combination of careful preparation, attention to detail, and a passion for presentation. When it comes to assembling this mouth-watering recipe, there are several key components that need to come together in harmony. In the initial step of the process, a food processor is used to combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese into a smooth and fragrant paste known as pesto. To achieve this consistency, it’s essential to ensure that all of these ingredients are well combined, which can be accomplished by processing them for a sufficient amount of time.

The use of a food processor in the preparation of pesto allows for an efficient and thorough blending of its constituent parts. By combining basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in this manner, it’s possible to unlock the full potential of each ingredient and create a truly exceptional sauce that adds depth and complexity to the Pesto Pasta with Chicken dish.

Once the pesto has been successfully prepared, it can be combined with cooked pasta, chicken breast or thighs, and other ingredients to create a satisfying and well-rounded meal. This may involve sautéing the chicken in a pan before adding it to the pasta, where it can then be tossed together with the pesto and other components of the dish.

When serving the Pesto Pasta with Chicken, there are several presentation options available that can help to enhance its visual appeal. One approach might involve arranging the cooked pasta on individual plates or platters in a neat and orderly fashion, garnished with additional basil leaves or other herbs for added color and texture.

Alternatively, the dish could be served in a more rustic or informal style, such as in a large bowl or casserole dish that showcases its vibrant colors and inviting aromas. Regardless of the chosen presentation method, it’s essential to ensure that the Pesto Pasta with Chicken is served hot from the oven and accompanied by a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for added freshness and balance.

Overall, the assembly and serving of a delicious Pesto Pasta with Chicken dish requires a combination of culinary skill, creativity, and attention to detail. By following this recipe and presentation guidelines, it’s possible to create a truly exceptional meal that is sure to impress friends, family, or colleagues.

• With the processor running, slowly pour in 1/4 cup (60ml) of olive oil through the feed tube until the pesto sauce is smooth and creamy.

To ensure a smooth and even consistency, it’s essential to assemble and serve the pesto pasta dish correctly. When working with warm ingredients like cooked pasta and pesto sauce, temperature control plays a crucial role in maintaining food safety.

Start by draining the cooked pasta in a colander under cold running water to stop the cooking process. This helps prevent overcooking and makes it easier to handle the pasta without sticking together.

Next, add 1/4 cup (60ml) of olive oil through the feed tube while the processor is still running. However, this step is not necessary when assembling and serving the pesto sauce as described in the recipe.

The actual assembly process involves combining cooked pasta with pesto sauce in a large serving dish or individual plates. The pesto sauce is typically made by blending basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil using an electric food processor or blender.

When assembling the dish, it’s best to start with cooked pasta, followed by spooning the pesto sauce over the top. You can then add grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, or other desired ingredients according to your personal preferences and recipe requirements.

To ensure a visually appealing presentation, arrange the ingredients in an attractive pattern on the serving dish or individual plates. This might involve creating a border of grated cheese or herbs around the edges or arranging sliced vegetables in a decorative pattern.

• Add the cooked pasta to the pesto sauce and toss to combine.

To assemble and serve the Pesto Pasta with Chicken, follow these steps:

1. Preheat a grater or food processor to prepare for making the pesto sauce.

2. Once the chicken has finished cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

3. Bring the cooked pasta to room temperature, which will make it easier to handle when assembling the dish.

4. In a large serving dish or individual plates, create a bed of pesto sauce by spreading a thin layer on the bottom.

**Step 1: Combining Pesto Sauce and Pasta**

• Add cooked pasta to the pesto sauce and toss to combine, ensuring an even distribution of the flavors throughout the dish.
• Be gentle when tossing the pasta to avoid breaking the noodles or disturbing the sauce too much.

**Step 2: Adding Chicken to the Pasta**

• Slice the cooked chicken into smaller pieces and add it on top of the pasta, allowing each bite to have a balance of chicken and pesto-covered noodles.
• Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed across the dish or individual plates for an appealing presentation.

**Step 3: Final Touches**

• Add any garnishes such as chopped fresh basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, or grated Parmesan cheese to add visual appeal and extra flavor to each bite.
• Drizzle a bit more pesto sauce around the dish for an added pop of color and to tie everything together.

Now that you’ve assembled the Pesto Pasta with Chicken, it’s ready to be served and enjoyed!

• Slice the cooked chicken breast into thin strips and add it to the pasta.

The final steps of preparing the Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe involve assembling and serving this delicious dish.

To begin, ensure that your cooked pasta is al dente and has been set aside in a colander to drain any excess water. This step helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with other components.

Next, slice the cooked chicken breast into thin strips. The size of these strips can be adjusted based on personal preference; however, thinner strips allow for easier integration into the pasta dish.

Add the sliced chicken to the pasta: this step is crucial in combining the protein content of the dish with the carbohydrates from the pasta and the rich flavor from the pesto sauce. The mixture should be well coated but not overly saturated, ensuring that each bite contains a balance of flavors.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Mix the cooked chicken strips evenly into the pasta, ensuring all parts are adequately covered with the pesto sauce and chicken. This step should be done gently to avoid over-manipulating the ingredients.

2. Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta for extra flavor. This can also help bind any loose ingredients together. The amount used is up to personal preference but a light sprinkle usually suffices.

3. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves or other herbs that complement the flavors present in your pesto sauce. This step not only adds visual appeal but also introduces more flavor depth into each bite.

The final result is a beautifully presented dish filled with aromatic and flavorful components working harmoniously together to create an unforgettable culinary experience.

• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

In the process of assembling and serving a dish like Pesto Pasta with Chicken, seasonings play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor and aroma. When it comes to seasoning, one of the most basic yet essential steps is adding salt and black pepper.

Salt serves several purposes in cooking, including bringing out flavors, preserving food, and enhancing texture. In the context of Pesto Pasta with Chicken, salt helps balance out the richness of the pesto sauce, while also drawing out the natural flavors of the chicken and pasta.

Black pepper, on the other hand, adds a pungent flavor and aroma to the dish. Unlike salt, black pepper does not have a significant effect on texture or preservation but enhances the overall taste experience. It’s commonly used in conjunction with salt as it complements the savory flavors of dishes like Pesto Pasta with Chicken.

When seasoning with salt and black pepper, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, use high-quality ingredients – kosher salt or sea salt for their rich flavor profile, and fresh black peppercorns that have not lost their potency. Second, taste as you go, adjusting the amount of seasoning to suit your preference.

It’s worth noting that some people may prefer a lighter hand with salt due to dietary restrictions or preferences. In such cases, start with a small amount and gradually add more to achieve the desired flavor balance.

When serving Pesto Pasta with Chicken, consider garnishing with additional fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the visual appeal and add an extra layer of flavor. Additionally, make sure the dish is served hot, as this helps bring out the best in the flavors and textures.

Overall, seasoning with salt and black pepper is a simple yet crucial step in preparing Pesto Pasta with Chicken. By paying attention to the quality of ingredients, adjusting seasonings to taste, and garnishing with fresh herbs, you can create a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing.