Pesto Pasta with Chicken

Pesto Pasta with Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with al dente pasta and a rich, homemade basil pesto. This Halal American dinner is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner.

Ingredients

• Pasta (fusilli or penne) - 200 grams
• Chicken breast - 250 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 50 grams
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Olive oil - 60 ml
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cherry tomatoes - 100 grams, halved

Steps

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Add the chicken breast to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
4. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and the remaining olive oil. Blend until smooth to create the pesto. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more olive oil to reach the desired consistency.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and pesto. Toss until everything is well coated.
6. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and gently mix. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 580
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Total Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from chicken, promoting muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in antioxidants from basil and tomatoes, supporting overall health.

Tags