Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance? Look no further than this irresistible Spicy Pesto Chicken and Pasta recipe that combines the bold flavors of zesty pesto, perfectly seared chicken, and a hint of fiery red pepper flakes. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's guaranteed to impress your family and leave them begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, season diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through with no pink remaining in the center.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return pasta to the pot.
- Add the cooked chicken to the pasta, then stir in the pesto and red pepper flakes. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to help it coat the pasta and chicken evenly.
- Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the spicy pesto sauce.
- Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat.
Tips
- For the most flavorful chicken, pat the diced pieces dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Use high-quality pesto for the best flavor - homemade or a premium store-bought brand can make a significant difference.
- Don't discard the pasta water! The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta and chicken.
- If you prefer less heat, start with a smaller amount of red pepper flakes and adjust to taste.
- For extra texture, consider toasting some pine nuts or adding fresh basil leaves as a garnish just before serving.
- Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like rotini, penne, or fusilli, to maximize flavor in every bite.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 393kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
