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If you’ve got 20 minutes, then you’ve got time to make this basil pesto chicken pasta. It’s loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli, and tossed in a fresh homemade basil pesto. This will be an instant family favorite and be on regular dinner rotation!
Fresh and Flavorful: Pesto Chicken Pasta
Just like my other simple weeknight pasta meals (Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese, Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta, and One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta), this pesto chicken pasta is impressively easy and filled with nutritious ingredients to satisfy. The chicken gives a great protein-boost to this pesto chicken pasta in addition to all the vegetables! Sun-dried tomatoes are one of my favorite ingredients to use as they’re so flavorful and I love their chewy and soft texture. It really helps to elevate the dish.
Have an abundance of fresh basil? Make homemade basil pesto and use it in this pesto chicken pasta dish! Honestly, you can’t beat how fresh homemade pesto is. The orecchiette pasta are like little “cups” that catch the pesto so you have some in every bite!
Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe Variations
- Make this vegetarian. Omit the chicken and use navy beans or great northern beans in place of the chicken. Alternatively, using a plant-based protein like tofu would be a great replacement.
- Use a different meat. Spicy Italian pork sausage would compliment the basil pesto so well! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even chicken sausage would work excellent in this.
- Creamy and cheesy. Dollop some whole milk ricotta cheese on top and mix it throughout the pasta dish to finish. Goat cheese (if you like it) or freshly grated parmesan cheese are options too!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Allow leftovers to cool then use the following to store and reheat:
- To store. Place leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To reheat. Portion out leftovers into a microwave-safe bowl and reheat in the microwave until warmed through. You may need a splash of water to loosen things up. You can also reheat leftovers on the stovetop in a skillet until warmed through.
Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cups (150 g) dried orecchiette pasta
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes in olive oil, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ large onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, (if you're sensitive to spice you might want to start out with 1/4 teaspoon)
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed into 1" cubes
- 4 tablespoons basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup (91 g) broccoli florets, blanched
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to the directions on the box. Once done, drain well and set aside.2 cups (150 g) dried orecchiette pasta
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 teaspoon of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic slices, onion, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.1/2 cup sundried tomatoes in olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 large onion, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Add the basil pesto to the skillet and turn heat down to medium-low. The basil pesto might be a bit thick so you can thin it out by adding 1 tablespoon of water to the skillet, if needed.4 tablespoons basil pesto
- Add the blanched broccoli florets and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss until everything is coated in the pesto and the ingredients are all evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.1 cup (91 g) broccoli florets, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Photographs by Eat Love Eat
Do you put the sun dried tomatoes or drain them?
I drained them a little. Like shook off the excess oil.
Just discovered you on Pinterest and can’t wait to try this recipe tonight! And, as a hairdresser, I must comment on your dilemma. I say be honest with her. We loose clients from time to time. It happens. And it sounds to me like she’s too busy and overwhelmed to cry for too long over it anyway. If I was doing that to a friend and she brought it to my attention I would be really embarrassed and wouldn’t hold it against her for wanting to simplify her life and schedule by going somewhere closer. Be clear that it’s nothing personal and you want to maintain your friendship. Maybe make plans to do something social out side of the salon. It’s better than you feeling frustrated and resentful…that will definitely ruin your relationship! Hope it works out!
So glad you found me, Erin! Hope you enjoy this recipe! As for the hairdresser thing, it worked out :) she understood!
What is it with us girls and our hair…I’m sure no guys have this problem! haha. I remember growing up my friend’s mom cut my hair and I was terrified she would find out the first time I went somewhere else! I think stress eating this pasta sounds like a great plan in the mean time though while you make your decision :)
Regarding your hair stylist, you’ve done your part and patiently waited 3 times. It’s obvious it’s a hassle and keeps you from making other plans. I would go to the closer location and if there’s times you don’t have plans, I would go to your friend’s salon just to still support her but still make it easier on yourself. Good luck!
It took me a while to find a good hair stylist, she has continued to go up in price but I know the quality that she does so I’m not switching. I would recommend talking to her about the timing thing so that she is aware of it. Its beneficial for her business in general, and since your a friend and a business owner you CAN tell her that. :)
As far as this dish.. I’m in love. Pesto makes my heart throb so I’m so making this.. can’t wait. Amazing pics too girl!
You better hope she doesn’t read your blog. She might already know!
Pasta looks yum!
I adore pesto! This dish is going onto our weekly menu! Pinned!
Oh this is a tough one. Since she is your friend, I would be honest. Tell her that it’s becoming difficult for you to get your hair cut with her due to the driving distinct and long wait time. Then give her one more chance. And if nothing changes, then I guess you move on. Breaking up is hard to do! And love this pasta, BTW! Looks so comforting!
Thanks, Liz! Breaking up is hard! Haha
I’d give your friend one more chance and if things haven’t changed, I’d tell her about it (oh so nicely :)) and then go to the closer stylist. It sounds like way too much of a hassle to go out there when you can get the same cut/style 30 seconds from home!
Also I, too, am up to my eyeballs in basil so pesto + this pasta = happening.
I so want this for dinner tonight, love the sundried tomatoes and pesto!