Pesto Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Pesto Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with a Lemon-Garlic Twist

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Difficulty: Easy Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (substitute: boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (substitute: fresh cherry tomatoes, halved)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (substitute: half-and-half or whole milk)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (substitute: Pecorino Romano or vegan Parmesan)
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto (substitute: store-bought pesto or make your own)
  • 12 oz pasta of your choice (substitute: gluten-free pasta)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta is cooking, season chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add garlic and lemon zest. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and pesto until well combined.
  8. Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves (optional).

Things to avoid:

  • Overcooking the chicken, which will make it dry and tough.
  • Overcooking the pasta, which will make it mushy.
  • Burning the garlic, which will make the sauce bitter.
  • Not using enough pesto, which will make the sauce bland.

Serving suggestions:

  • Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
  • Top with additional Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
  • Add a handful of fresh spinach or arugula to the pasta for a boost of nutrients.

Enjoy this unique and flavorful pasta dish!

Pesto Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta