This easy 30 minute dinner is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. This chicken pesto pasta comes together quickly and easily with a few everyday ingredients for a hearty and filling dish that's full of flavor.
Cook pasta according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked to al-dente. Once cooked, drain well in a colander, and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, basil pesto sauce and heavy cream until smooth. Set aside.
Rub the chicken with seasonings and olive oil. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes, then flip and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes more, until cooked through, or internal temperature registers 165 F. Slice chicken and set aside.
Add chopped onions to the skillet and cook until soft and translucent, for the last 30 seconds add the minced garlic.
Turn off the heat and add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, and pour the pesto sauce. Toss to coat everything, add halved tomatoes on top, sprinkle Parmesan cheese, pine nuts and garnish with chopped fresh basil.
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Season chicken before cooking for added flavor.
Cook pasta al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and reduce starch.
Use an instant-read thermometer—chicken is done at 165°F and should be white throughout.