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Chicken Pesto Pasta

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Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • - 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • - 8-12 ounces of penne fusilli, or farfalle pasta
  • - 1/2 to 1 cup of basil pesto homemade or store-bought
  • - 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • - 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • - 3 cloves garlic minced
  • - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped (optional)
  • - 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional)
  • - Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • - Salt and pepper to taste
  • - Heavy cream or milk optional, for creaminess

Instructions
 

  • Cooking Instructions:
  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Then, add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. This dish is perfect for date nights due to its creamy, flavorful sauce.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the cooked pasta, basil pesto, and grated Parmesan cheese. If you desire a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or milk at this stage.
  • Mix everything together until well combined and heated through.
  • If using, add the sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir gently to incorporate, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve the Chicken Pesto Pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
  • Extra Tips:
  • When cooking Chicken Pesto Pasta, don't be afraid to experiment with additional ingredients. For example, adding spinach or mushrooms can enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile.
  • If you're short on time, consider using leftover cooked chicken to expedite the cooking process.
  • Finally, verify your sauce is balanced to your liking by adjusting the amount of pesto and cream, which allows you to create a dish that perfectly suits your taste.