Let’s be real. The question of what to make for dinner can feel like a daily puzzle. You want something delicious and satisfying. You also want it to be wholesome. Finding great Healthy Dinner Recipes that tick all the boxes can feel like a tall order, especially on a busy weeknight. But what if I told you that you could have a flavorful, creamy pasta dish on the table in less than 30 minutes? It’s totally possible.
This chicken pesto pasta is one of those meals that feels special but is secretly simple. It’s comforting, packed with protein, and has that bright, herby flavor from the pesto that everyone loves. It’s a wonderful addition to your rotation of Healthy Dinner Meals that the whole family will enjoy. Let’s get cooking.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this dish. First, it is incredibly fast. From start to finish, you are looking at about 25 minutes. This makes it a fantastic Quick Healthy Dinner for those evenings when you are short on time but still want a proper meal. You get a complete dish with protein, carbs, and flavor all in one pan.
It’s also made with simple, accessible ingredients. There is nothing fancy here. Just good quality basics coming together to create something truly tasty. This approach is key for creating sustainable Clean Eating Recipes. You know exactly what is going into your food.
Plus, it’s very flexible. You can add vegetables, use a different pasta shape, or even swap the chicken for another protein. It’s a great base recipe to make your own. You can feel good about serving this to your family. It is one of those Healthy Dinner Recipes that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 8 ounces penne pasta, preferably with ridges
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving if you like
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained if packed in oil
- 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or quality store bought, plus more if you like
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Handful of torn basil leaves, for garnish
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Season The Chicken
First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Place your chicken pieces into a medium bowl. Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning and a generous pinch of both kosher salt and black pepper. Give it a good toss to make sure every single piece is coated well. This step builds the first layer of flavor.
Step 2: Cook The Pasta
Now for the pasta. Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. A key to flavorful pasta is salting the water well. You want it to taste like the sea. Add about one tablespoon of salt. Drop in your penne and cook it until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 9 minutes, but always check the package directions. Al dente means it still has a slight bite to it.
Step 3: Cook The Chicken
While your pasta is bubbling away, it’s time to cook the chicken. Add the olive oil to a large nonstick skillet and set it over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken. Let it cook for about 7 to 8 minutes. Toss it occasionally so it gets golden brown on all sides and is cooked through. The kitchen will start to smell amazing.
Step 4: Drain The Pasta
Your pasta should be just about ready. Before you drain it, do this very important thing. Scoop out and save about one cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid is gold. It helps create a silky, creamy sauce later on. Once you have saved your water, you can drain the pasta. Do not rinse it.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Time to bring it all together. Lower the heat on the skillet with the chicken. Add the cooked pasta, the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and the sun dried tomatoes right into the pan. Stir everything together until it’s all nicely combined. This is where you will see the sauce start to form. It’s one of the most satisfying parts of making Healthy Dinner Meals.
If the mixture looks a little thick or dry, this is where your reserved pasta water comes in. Add a splash, maybe a couple of tablespoons at a time, and stir vigorously. The starch in the water will help the sauce cling to the pasta, making it glossy and perfect. This is a great technique for many Healthy Dinner Recipes.
Step 6: Add The Pesto
The final touch. Turn off the heat and move the pan off the hot burner. This is important because you don’t want the heat to dull the fresh flavor of the pesto. Stir in your basil pesto until it is distributed evenly. The sauce will turn a beautiful light green color. Now it’s ready. Serve it up with an extra sprinkle of parmesan, some red pepper flakes for a little kick, and fresh basil leaves.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta might absorb some of the sauce as it sits. When you reheat it, you can add a splash of water or milk to loosen it up and bring back that creamy texture.
Tips
Want to make this Quick Healthy Dinner even better? Use a high quality pesto. Whether you make your own or buy it from the store, good pesto makes a huge difference in the final flavor. Look for ones with fresh ingredients like basil, pine nuts, and good olive oil. It is a simple way to add a lot of taste to your Clean Eating Recipes.
Feel free to add some greens. A large handful of fresh spinach can be stirred in with the pasta and cream. It will wilt down in a minute or two and add extra nutrients. You could also toss in some steamed broccoli or asparagus. It’s an easy way to get more veggies into your Healthy Dinner Meals.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you love garlic, add a minced clove with the chicken. If you like more spice, add extra red pepper flakes. Cooking is all about making food that you love to eat. These simple adjustments can make your Healthy Dinner Recipes your own.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A delicious, creamy, and satisfying chicken pesto pasta that is perfect for any night of the week. This recipe proves that you do not need a lot of time or complicated ingredients to make amazing food at home. It is a wonderful example of how simple Healthy Dinner Recipes can be.
I hope you give this one a try. It has become a staple in my kitchen, and I am sure it will in yours too. It is a reliable, flavorful, and easy dish that brings a little bit of comfort to the dinner table. Enjoy every bite.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Pasta?
Absolutely. While penne with ridges is great for holding onto the sauce, feel free to use what you have. Farfalle, rotini, or even linguine would work well with this dish. Whole wheat or gluten free pasta are also great options for these types of Healthy Dinner Recipes.
Is It Possible To Make This Dairy Free?
Yes, you can make a few swaps. Use a dairy free heavy cream alternative, like one made from coconut or cashews. You will also need to find a dairy free parmesan cheese and a pesto that does not contain cheese. Many store bought pestos are dairy free, just be sure to check the label.
What Can I Serve With This Chicken Pesto Pasta?
This dish is a great one pan meal, so it doesn’t need much on the side. However, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be a wonderful, fresh accompaniment. Some crusty garlic bread for soaking up the extra sauce is also a fantastic idea. It completes the meal perfectly.
Chicken Pesto Pasta
This flavorful, creamy pasta dish is ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s comforting, packed with protein, and boasts bright, herby basil pesto flavor for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place your chicken pieces into a medium bowl. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning and a generous pinch of both kosher salt and black pepper. Give it a good toss to make sure every single piece is coated well.
- Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add about one tablespoon of salt. Drop in your penne and cook it until it’s al dente, usually about 8 to 9 minutes, or check package directions.
- While the pasta cooks, add the olive oil to a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, tossing occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Before draining the pasta, scoop out and save about one cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and do not rinse it.
- Lower the heat on the skillet with the chicken. Add the cooked pasta, the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and the sun dried tomatoes. Stir everything together until nicely combined. If thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water, a couple of tablespoons at a time, and stir vigorously.
- Turn off the heat and move the pan off the burner. Stir in your basil pesto until evenly distributed. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Use a high quality pesto. Whether homemade or store-bought, good pesto makes a huge difference in the final flavor. Look for ones with fresh ingredients like basil, pine nuts, and good olive oil.
Feel free to add some greens. A large handful of fresh spinach can be stirred in with the pasta and cream. It will wilt down in a minute or two and add extra nutrients.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you love garlic, add a minced clove with the chicken. If you like more spice, add extra red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
