This Chicken Pesto Pasta is an easy and delicious family-friendly dinner recipe that everyone will love! It comes together quickly and is full of flavor!
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
In a large Ziploc bag, combine chicken, oil, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika and salt. Shake to combine and let marinate at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
In a large pan over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp oil and pan sear chicken breasts 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through to a temperature of 165 degrees F.
Remove from pan and set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
In the same pan you used for the chicken, add butter, garlic and tomatoes and saute over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Turn heat to low and add cream, pesto, parmesan, red pepper and reserved pasta water and stir gently for 2-3 minutes.
Add drained pasta and stir to coat.
Serve with sliced chicken on top or cut up chicken and mix in with the pasta.