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Chicken Pesto Pasta

This dish combines cooked pasta with shredded leftover chicken and a vibrant basil pesto sauce. The sauce is made by blending basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil, then tossed with the pasta and chicken until thoroughly combined, resulting in a creamy, flavorful meal with a fresh green appearance. The final dish is coated evenly, with a slightly glossy finish and visible flecks of basil and Parmesan.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti) uncooked
  • 1 cup basil leaves fresh
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Food processor or blender
  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Cooking spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, combine basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and bright green, scraping down the sides as needed. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
    12 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti)
  3. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the shredded cooked chicken and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    12 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti)
  4. Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the pan with chicken. Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated, about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should cling nicely to the pasta without pooling.
    12 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti)
  5. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan and basil if desired. Serve immediately, enjoying the bright green color and fragrant aroma.