Name: Chicken Pesto Pasta
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb rotini pasta; 0.5 cup basil pesto; 2 cups chicken; 0.5 cup parmesan cheese; 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp kosher salt

From the Cook

1/5

Chicken Pesto Pasta

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Chicken Pesto Pasta

1 lb rotini pasta(you can also use shells, campanelle or elbow macaroni)

½ cup basil pesto

2 cups chickencooked, chopped

½ cup parmesan cheesegrated

1 ½ cups mozzarella cheesegrated

1 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Drain pasta and add back to the pot.

Mix in the pesto, chicken, parmesan, mozzarella cheese, and salt, and serve.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Reserve Pasta Water for Silky Sauce 💧
Save 1 cup of starchy pasta cooking water before draining; add it gradually to your pesto mixture to create a luxurious, clingy sauce that coats every strand perfectly.
Temper the Pesto with Heat 🔥
Add pesto to the warm pasta off-heat and toss gently to preserve the basil's fresh flavor and vibrant color, avoiding the bitterness that develops when pesto is overheated.
Pound Chicken for Even Cooking ⏱️
Pound chicken breasts to uniform ½-inch thickness before cooking to ensure they cook evenly in 6-8 minutes, preventing dry edges and raw centers.
Layer Your Cheeses Strategically 🧀
Mix pesto and mozzarella into hot pasta first, then finish with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to prevent the harder cheese from melting completely and losing its sharp, distinctive bite.
Season Chicken Before Searing 🧂
Salt and pepper chicken 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow seasoning to penetrate the meat, resulting in better flavor throughout rather than just on the surface.