How to make easy Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Tomatoes | Italian Recipe

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts provide a similar texture and flavor at a lower cost.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and adds a cheesy flavor.

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Drain pasta and reserve some cooking water.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add diced chicken breast to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper.

Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Add cooked pasta to the skillet with chicken and tomatoes.

In a blender, combine fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil to make pesto.

Blend until smooth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Add pesto to the pasta and mix, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and basil.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens