Print

Fresh Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes

fresh pesto chicken pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy fresh pesto chicken pasta with cherry tomatoes that delivers vibrant flavors and comforting textures, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 300 g)
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (30 g)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (120 ml)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Pulse while slowly drizzling in olive oil until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (About 5 minutes)
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove and let rest, then slice thinly.
  4. Sauté the cherry tomatoes: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Add cherry tomatoes and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and bursting, about 5 minutes.
  5. Combine everything: Return sliced chicken to skillet with tomatoes. Add drained pasta and about 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Stir in pesto, tossing gently to coat. Add more pasta water if needed for a silky sauce. Adjust seasoning.
  6. Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Toast pine nuts for 2 minutes to enhance flavor. Use room temperature ingredients for best pesto texture. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and help it cling to pasta. Watch cherry tomatoes closely to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto chicken pasta, cherry tomatoes, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, fresh basil, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/fresh-pesto-chicken-pasta-recipe-with-cherry-tomatoes-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/