Are you ready to elevate your meal prep game with a dish that bursts with flavor and freshness? Introducing the Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta Meal Prep Bowls—a delightful fusion of tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil pesto that will have your taste buds dancing! Perfect for busy weekdays, this quick and easy recipe takes just 35 minutes to prepare and yields four hearty servings, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy delicious, homemade meals throughout the week. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how simple it is to create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also visually stunning!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta of choice
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of your choice of pasta, 2 cooked and shredded chicken breasts, 1/2 cup of basil pesto, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh basil for garnish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken if it is not already cooked. You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot with the drained pasta. Pour in the basil pesto and mix well to combine, ensuring that the chicken and pasta are evenly coated with the pesto.
- If the mixture appears dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently to avoid mashing the tomatoes.
- Divide the pesto chicken pasta evenly among four meal prep containers.
- Sprinkle each serving with grated parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.
- Allow the meal prep bowls to cool completely before sealing them with lids and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave until warmed through, and enjoy your delicious Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta Meal Prep Bowls!
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as fusilli or penne, to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Pre-Cooked Chicken Shortcut: For a quicker prep time, use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips, which can save you time without sacrificing taste.
- Perfect Pasta Cooking: Remember to salt your boiling water generously; it enhances the flavor of the pasta. Cook it until al dente for the best texture.
- Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto—sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto can add a unique twist to your dish.
- Adjust Consistency: If the pasta seems dry after mixing in the pesto, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creaminess.
- Freshness Matters: Garnish with fresh basil just before serving to add a burst of color and flavor that elevates the dish.
- Storage Tips: Allow your meal prep bowls to cool completely before sealing them to prevent condensation, which can make your pasta soggy.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water to keep the pasta moist and ensure it warms evenly.With these tips, you’ll not only master the Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta Meal Prep Bowls but also impress everyone with your culinary skills!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
