Introduction: In need of a delicious dinner that’s ready in a flash? Look no further than this 30-Minute Pesto Penne with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes recipe. Bursting with vibrant flavors from homemade or store-bought pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender chicken breast, this pasta dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This recipe features simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create a delightful pasta dish. Tender penne pasta serves as the perfect base for the dish, while homemade or store-bought pesto adds a burst of herby freshness. Succulent chicken breast adds protein and heartiness, while sweet cherry tomatoes provide pops of juicy flavor. Finished off with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, this dish is as delicious as it is easy to make.
Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this Pesto Penne with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes is perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. While the pasta is cooking, simply sauté the chicken and cherry tomatoes until golden brown and cooked through. Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto, chicken, and tomatoes, and dinner is served! It’s a fuss-free meal that’s perfect for those hectic evenings when you need something quick and satisfying.
Customizable and Versatile: This recipe is highly adaptable and can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or your favorite plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this 30-Minute Pesto Penne with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and customizable nature, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this flavorful pasta dish is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’ll have a satisfying and delicious meal on the table in no time!
30 MINUTE PESTO PENNE WITH CHICKEN AND CHERRY TOMATOES
30-Minute Pesto Penne with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 225g) penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Cherry Tomatoes: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and blister.
- Combine the Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the cherry tomatoes. Add the cooked penne pasta and pesto sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta, chicken, and cherry tomatoes are evenly coated in the pesto sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
- Serve: Divide the Pesto Penne with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes among serving plates. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!
Note: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding additional vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. You can also adjust the amount of pesto sauce according to your taste preferences.