Quick and Easy Pesto Pasta
Enjoy this pesto pasta recipe with pesto, tomatoes and chicken or use it as a base and add in your favourites. So quick and easy. For assembly tips read full article.
Servings: 4
Calories: 632kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta any shape
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp canola oil
- 1/2 Tbsp steak seasoning
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced any type
- 3-4 Tbsp basil pesto
- 1/2-3/4 cup pasta water
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped optional
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, but reserve 1 cup of cooking water.
- Slice chicken into bite size pieces and season with steak seasoning, your favourite seasoning blend or simply salt and pepper.
- In large saute pan, heat oil and saute chicken until cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add pasta to chicken in pan, stir in pesto and 1/2 cup of pasta water (to start). Mix well, adding more water as needed to create a glossy sauce and distribute pesto evenly.
- Add tomatoes and stir to heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more pasta water as needed.
- Serve immediately on warmed plates and top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if available.
Notes
No pasta water? - Use soup stock (chicken or vegetable) or some cream
Variations:
- omit chicken or replace with walnuts
- choose whatever type of pesto you prefer
- use salt and pepper, hot pepper flakes, Italian seasoning instead of steak seasoning
- replace pasta with spiralized veggie noodles
- use whatever kind of cheese you prefer
- add greens like spinach or kale for extra goodness
Nutrition
Calories: 632kcal | Carbohydrates: 89g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 17g | Sodium: 263mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Iron: 3mg