This Cilantro Chicken and Pesto Pasta is a colorful and tasty dish! Juicy chicken gets a flavorful boost from fresh cilantro and creamy pesto, making every bite a delight.
I love serving this dish with some grated cheese on top for extra goodness. It’s quick to make too, perfect for busy evenings when you need a yummy meal fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love spaghetti for this dish, but feel free to use any pasta shape you enjoy, like penne or farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free options also work well.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but you can substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor. Or try tofu for a vegetarian option!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key for flavor, but if you’re not a fan, try parsley instead for a milder taste.
Pesto: Homemade pesto is the best, but store-bought is a great time-saver. You could use any nut or cheese in the pesto too, depending on what you have on hand.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a nice zing! If you don’t have them, try roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes.
How Do I Create a Creamy Pesto Without Overdoing It?
Making a creamy pesto is easy if you follow these steps carefully!
- Start with fresh herbs like cilantro and basil; they give that wonderful greenery.
- Use a food processor to blend the ingredients until they’re finely chopped before adding the olive oil slowly. This method helps achieve a smooth texture.
- If your pesto gets too thick, don’t worry! Just add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and blend again until smooth.
With this technique, your pesto will be perfectly creamy and flavorful, coating the pasta beautifully!
Cilantro Chicken And Pesto Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
For The Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced or chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
For The Cilantro Pesto:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for pesto)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
For The Finish:
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably oil-packed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cilantro Chicken And Pesto Pasta takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking. It’s a quick yet flavorful dish great for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander, but save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water to use later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season your chicken slices with salt and black pepper to taste. This will add great flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Make the Cilantro Pesto:
To make the pesto, combine the cilantro, basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse to combine everything. While blending, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup of olive oil until your pesto reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Combine Pasta and Pesto:
Now, return the cooked pasta to the pot or place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the fresh cilantro pesto and toss everything together well until the pasta is evenly coated. If it feels a bit too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Add Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the cooked chicken slices and the sun-dried tomatoes. Gently toss everything together to combine, allowing it to warm through for a couple of minutes.
7. Serve:
Your Cilantro Chicken And Pesto Pasta is ready to enjoy! Plate it up and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top, along with black pepper or red pepper flakes if desired for a little kick.
Enjoy this delightful dish, bursting with flavor from the cilantro and creamy pesto, paired with juicy chicken and sun-dried tomatoes!
Can I Substitute the Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is a great choice, you can use any pasta shape you enjoy, such as penne, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture.
Can I Make the Pesto Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pesto in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just drizzle a little olive oil on the surface to prevent it from browning.
What Other Proteins Can I Use?
If you’re looking for alternatives to chicken, consider shrimp, sautéed tofu, or even grilled vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!