Pesto Chicken Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes
Italian-inspired weeknight pasta from the Lazio region with bright basil pesto, garlicky chicken, and blistered tomatoes. The dish combines al dente pasta, juicy roasted tomatoes, and a shimmering pesto sauce for a fresh, cozy supper.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
Servings:
2 servings
(originally 4 servings)Ingredients(scaled)
- 2 cups rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- ½ 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ 1/4 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ Red pepper flakes (optional, to finish)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F. Toss tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper; roast 12–15 minutes until blistered.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Sauté in a large skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high until cooked through, about 5–7 minutes; add garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Meanwhile, blend pesto: basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, 1/4 cup olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Toss hot pasta with pesto, chicken, and roasted tomatoes; add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen sauce.
- Finish with extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using; stir gently and serve hot.
- Preheat the oven and bake until golden and set; a toothpick should come out clean.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Blister tomatoes at high heat for intense sweetness.
- Toast nuts before blending for deeper flavor.
- Add a splash of pasta water for a glossy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a simple green salad and crusty bread to complete the plate.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Nutritional Estimates
Per serving · 2 servings total
| calories | 560 |
|---|---|
| protein | 38 |
| carbs | 58 |
| fat | 22 |
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