This chicken pesto pasta makes for a quick and flavorful meal. It’s versatile, so you can adjust the quantities of pesto, spinach, and other ingredients to suit your preferences. Enjoy your delicious homemade dish!
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 4 tbsp pesto
- 1 cup spinach
- Olive oil
- Salt and Pepper
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- 2
Cut the chicken into small cubes.
- 3
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the chicken and cook until fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- 4
Add your spinach to the skillet. Cook until wilted. Add the pesto, cooked pasta, pasta water, and the chicken.
- 5
Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the pesto sauce and the ingredients are heated through.
- 6
Garnish the chicken pesto pasta with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves before serving. Add extra salt, pepper, or more pesto sauce according to taste.
Tips- Cook the pasta al dente, so it's firm to the bite. This helps it hold up well when tossed with the other ingredients.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be used to adjust the sauce's consistency and help it adhere better to the pasta.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly sliced or diced to promote even cooking and flavor distribution throughout the dish.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances its taste and adds depth to the dish.
- Adjust the amount of pesto to your taste preferences. If you love the flavor, you can add a bit more. Start with the recommended amount and gradually add more as needed.
- If the pesto is too thick, you can thin it out by mixing in a bit of olive oil or pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Add a handful of pine nuts or toasted almonds for a delightful nutty flavor and added texture.
- Sauté the spinach briefly in olive oil with garlic before adding it to the pasta for a boost of flavor.
- For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese to the pasta.
- Garnish the finished dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving to add a salty kick and richness.
- A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Don't hesitate to experiment! Try adding roasted cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for extra depth of flavor.
- You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or grilled vegetables for a different variation.
pasta, pesto, chicken, spinach - 2