Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of colorful pasta that's bursting with Italian-inspired flavors, where each bite tells a story of fresh ingredients and culinary passion. Our Tricolore Tagliatelle Pollo Pesto is not just a meal—it's a sensory journey that combines the rich, herbaceous notes of basil pesto, tender shredded chicken, and the playful colors of tricolore pasta. Perfect for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on taste, this recipe promises restaurant-quality dining in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz tricolore tagliatelle
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the tricolore tagliatelle to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces if not already prepared.
- When pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the tagliatelle in a colander.
- Return the pasta to the pot and immediately add the basil pesto. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, using reserved pasta water to help create a smooth sauce if needed.
- Fold in the shredded chicken and halved cherry tomatoes, ensuring even distribution throughout the pasta.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to properly season the pasta from within.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining; its starchy nature helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the Parmesan cheese in a dry skillet before sprinkling it over the dish.
- Use high-quality, fresh basil pesto for the most vibrant taste. If homemade isn't an option, choose a premium store-bought version.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the pesto to reduce calories without losing creaminess.
- Let the pasta rest for 1-2 minutes after adding pesto to allow flavors to meld together perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg
