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Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Our easy homemade basil pesto recipe adds fresh and bright summer flavor to chicken pasta for a simple, satisfying weeknight meal your family will love!
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 551 kcal
Course:
Main Course , Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine:
Italian , American
Ingredients
For the Homemade Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
- ½ cup pine nuts
- ½ cup grated pecorino cheese or parmesan
- 1 clove garlic peeled
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
For the Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta:
- 1 pound small pasta ziti, fusilli, or gemelli
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Instructions
For the Basil Pesto:
- Set out a food processor. Place the basil leaves, pine nuts, pecorino cheese, garlic clove, and lemon juice in the food processor. Cover and pulse until finely ground.
- Then add in the olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground pepper. Pulse again until a smooth, thick pesto sauce is formed. Taste, then salt and pepper as needed.
Cup of Yum
For the Pesto Chicken Pasta:
- Set a large pot of salted water over high heat, and set out a mixing bowl. Once the water is boiling, stir the pasta into the water. Cook to al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and place in the bowl.
- Stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Allow the temperature of the pasta to come down a little, as to not cook the pesto. Once the pasta is warm (not hot) stir in the pesto, one half cup at a time, until it is as saucy as you like.
- Serve at room temperature, or cold. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Pesto is best when fresh, but does still taste amazing after several days. Therefore this is a great make-ahead up to 4 days in advance.
- Pro Tip: Turn this classic basil pesto into a brilliant creamy pesto sauce by adding½-1 cup of heavy creamy at the end.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1cup
Calories
551kcal
(28%)
Carbohydrates
59g
(20%)
Protein
15g
(30%)
Fat
29g
(45%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Cholesterol
6mg
(2%)
Sodium
139mg
(6%)
Potassium
267mg
(8%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
487IU
(10%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
131mg
(13%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 551
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 551kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 59g | 20% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 29g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 139mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 267mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 487IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 131mg | 13% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.