This chicken pesto recipe is a family favorite -- quick, easy, and full of flavor. It's one of our go-to meals that everyone enjoys.
About This Recipe
This chicken pesto pasta recipe is one of our favorite meals. It's simply satisfying and packed full of flavor from just a few pantry staple items. When I grocery shop, I typically make sure I have everything stocked for this recipe.
What is Chicken Pesto?
Chicken pesto is a savory dish made with seared chicken and basil pesto, often served over pasta for a quick, flavorful meal. In this recipe, it's paired with penne, olive oil, and crumbled feta for a simple yet satisfying weeknight meal.
Why We Love Chicken Pesto
We love chicken pesto because it's a delicious, easy-to-make meal that's full of fresh, bold flavor from the basil pesto and tender seared chicken. It also feels like a healthier dinner option -- packed with protein, simple ingredients, and no heavy sauces.
Ingredients
Just five ingredients makes this dish possible -- chicken breasts, penne pasta, basil pesto (from a jar), olive oil and feta!
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Cook the pasta. Start by boiling the pasta until it's just al dente -- follow the directions on the package.
- Sear the chicken. While the pasta is cooking, sear the chicken on both sides for just 4-5 minutes each side. Then slice the meat into bite sized pieces and toss back into the skillet to cook through.
- Combine it all. Drain the pasta and add to the skillet with the chicken. Toss with olive oil and the gorgeous green pesto. Finish off with the crumbled feta.
Serving Suggestion
We like to keep this dinner simple and classic by serving it with a Caesar salad kit from the store and frozen breadsticks. It's an easy way to round out the meal without any extra work.
Made This Recipe?
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More Easy Dinner Recipes
- Cheesy Chicken Dorito Casserole
- Island Pork Tenderloin
- Crockpot Italian Shredded Chicken
- Chickpea Tomato Soup
- Almond Crusted Pork Chops
Photography by Lindsay Evers
Recipe Card
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1.5 lb thin sliced chicken breasts If you can only find thicker chicken breasts, slice horizontally to make thin instead of pounding thin
- salt & pepper , to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil , plus 2 tablespoons for searing the chicken
- 3 oz jarred basil pesto
- ¼ cup Crumbled feta
Instructions
- Boil pasta to al dente, according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, heat 2T olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Coat both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in the hot skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side. Slice into pieces, cook and toss a few more minutes until cooked through.
- Drain pasta and transfer into the skillet with the chicken. Stir in olive oil and pesto. Toss in feta. Serve immediately.
Notes
- We enjoy this with frozen breadsticks and a bagged Caesar salad kit to make things easy.
- Nutrition information is an estimate only.
Pete says
Such an easy recipe to make! The whole fam loved it.
Patrick B says
Love this recipe! Perfect for our family on the go. Eat it warm or cold. Tons of protein and good change up from the normal flavors we typically eat.
Mary Ellingworth says
I made this for my kids, and they ate every bite! Great job.