Chicken Pesto Pasta With Tomatoes And Pine Nuts

This Chicken Pesto Pasta is a treat! It’s loaded with tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts, all tossed in zesty pesto sauce. Yum!

Perfect for a busy weeknight, I love how quick it is to make. Just cook the pasta, mix in the goodies, and you’re ready to eat! Who knew dinner could be this easy? 🍝

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: I like to use farfalle because its shape holds the sauce nicely, but you can swap it for any pasta you prefer, like penne or fusilli. Whole wheat pasta is a great option if you’re looking for something heartier.

Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken adds protein and flavor. Rotisserie chicken works great here! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or a mix of sautéed mushrooms for added texture.

Pesto: Store-bought pesto is super convenient, but making your own is easy! For a dairy-free version, opt for a vegan pesto made with nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

Pine Nuts: These add a nice crunch and flavor. If you’re out of pine nuts, sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts can be tasty substitutes. Just toast them lightly for more flavor before adding.

How Do I Roast the Tomatoes Perfectly?

Roasting tomatoes elevates their flavor, giving them a sweet, rich taste. Here’s how to do it right:

• Heat your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
• Once hot, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
• Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and blister. This enhances their flavor.

Feel free to experiment by adding garlic or balsamic vinegar for extra depth! Don’t rush this step; taking your time will pay off with a burst of flavor in your dish.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz farfalle pasta (or any pasta of choice)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
• 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a little time boiling the pasta, roasting the tomatoes, and mixing everything together. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for any day of the week!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (slightly firm when bitten). Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Roast the Tomatoes:

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over them, then sauté for about 5-7 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and start to blister a bit—that’s when they get really tasty!

3. Combine Chicken and Pesto:

In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken along with the pesto. Give it a good stir so that the chicken is nicely coated with the pesto. This will add amazing flavor to your dish!

4. Mix Ingredients:

Now, add the cooked pasta, roasted tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, and pine nuts into the bowl with the chicken and pesto. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. Taste it, and if you think it needs a little more flavor, sprinkle in some extra salt and pepper.

5. Serve:

Transfer your beautiful pasta dish to a serving plate. If you’d like, drizzle a little more olive oil on top for an extra touch. Garnish with additional chopped basil and some grated Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm and enjoy every mouthful!

Can I Use Different Pasta for This Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute any pasta you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.

What if I Don’t Have Pesto on Hand?

No problem! If you don’t have pesto, you can make a quick alternative by blending fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and nuts (like walnuts or almonds) until smooth. You can also use store-bought marinara sauce for a different flavor profile!

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or water to keep the pasta from drying out.

Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can sauté them along with the tomatoes or steam them separately to mix into the pasta. This is a great way to sneak in more nutrients!