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Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Delight - easy high protein recipe
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Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Delight

Making dinner after a long day when I wanted something satisfying but straightforward often leads me to delightful pasta dishes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 30g protein dinner, chicken pesto pasta, chicken pesto pasta recipe, high protein dinner
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 550kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pasta penne or bow-tie
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes halved
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts halved horizontally
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2/3 cup basil pesto
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts optional
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

  • Start by preheating your oven to 400 F. Toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil and minced garlic. Spread them in a casserole dish and roast until they soften and caramelize, stirring occasionally.
  • Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally for even cooking. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavors.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until they are golden and cooked through. Once done, remove them and thinly slice them.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your choice of pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta completely.
  • In the same skillet used for the chicken, combine the cooked pasta with basil pesto and heavy cream. Stir gently, allowing everything to come together and heat through.
  • Top your creamy pasta with sliced chicken and the luscious roasted tomatoes. For an extra touch, sprinkle with pine nuts if you choose. Season with salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.