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Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes

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This Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. The combination of fresh basil pesto, tender chicken, and juicy cherry tomatoes creates a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s how to make this delicious pasta dish from scratch.

Ingredients:

  • 400 g rigatoni or other short pasta
  • 100 g fresh basil pesto
  • 200 g chicken breast, cut into small pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 100 g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 50 g grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil Water:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  1. Cook Pasta:
  • Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

  1. Heat Oil:
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  1. Cook Chicken:
  • Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté Onion and Garlic

  1. Cook Onion:
  • Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  1. Add Garlic:
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. Add Tomatoes

  1. Cook Tomatoes:
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until they begin to soften and release their juices, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Mix with Pesto

  1. Combine Ingredients:
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the basil pesto and mix well to combine all the ingredients.

6. Combine with Pasta

  1. Add Pasta:
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto sauce.
See also  Delicious Fried Oatmeal Patties with Banana and Yogurt

7. Serving

  1. Plate and Garnish:
  • Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
  1. Season:
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Perfect Pesto Pasta

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil pesto makes a big difference in flavor. If you can, use homemade pesto or a high-quality store-bought version.
  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until just al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
  • Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the pasta before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Add Veggies: Feel free to include additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: Can I freeze the pesto pasta?

A: Pesto pasta can be frozen, but it’s best to do so before adding the grated Parmesan. Freeze the pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Q: What can I use instead of chicken?

A: You can substitute the chicken with other proteins like shrimp, sausage, or tofu for a different twist on this recipe.

Enjoy your flavorful Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes! This dish is a great way to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with taste.

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