Description
Tender chicken pieces tossed in a rich, herb-infused pesto sauce with al dente penne pasta. This quick, dairy-free Italian dish offers bold flavors and a silky texture. Olive oil and fresh herbs create a luxurious base, perfect for weeknight cooking.
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breast, 1 lb, diced into 1″ pieces
Olive oil, 1 tbsp, extra virginial for flavor
Olive oil, 1/4 cup, for pesto
Garlic, 2 cloves, minced and sautéed
Salt and pepper, to taste (use sea salt for better flavor)
Fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup
Lemon juice, 1 tbsp
Honey, 1 tbsp
Penne pasta, 1/2 lb, or farfalle (use whole wheat if preferred)
Sea salt, for pasta water
Instructions
Dice chicken breast into 1″ cubes and season with salt and pepper
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering
Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden browned
Remove chicken and set aside while preparing the pesto
In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves with 2 cloves garlic
Add 1/4 cup olive oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice, process until smooth
With motor running, add 1 tbsp honey for a balanced tang
Transfer pesto mixture to the skillet used for chicken
Bring 4 quarts salted water to a boil and add pasta
Cook 8-10 minutes until al dente, drain while saving 1/2 cup pasta water
Return cooked chicken to the skillet with pesto and stir to coat
Add cooked pasta directly to the pan and toss with tongs
Stir in 1-2 tbsp reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce
Notes
Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden sear
Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking
Reserve pasta water to enhance the sauce’s texture
Adjust pesto by adding more oil or lemon for desired consistency
Pesto can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days
Substitute farfalle or penne pasta based on preference or availability
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of total recipe)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 150mg