Penne pasta tossed in a creamy pesto sauce, with tender chicken and bursts of fresh flavor – it's a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly easy to make. This recipe goes beyond the basics, offering tips and tricks to elevate your pesto chicken penne pasta to restaurant quality. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this guide will help you master this classic dish.
What Makes This Pesto Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe Special?
This recipe focuses on creating a truly creamy and flavorful pesto sauce, without resorting to heavy cream. We achieve this richness through clever techniques and high-quality ingredients. We’ll also explore variations and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you can customize this dish to your liking.
How to Make the Perfect Pesto Sauce from Scratch?
While store-bought pesto is convenient, making your own is surprisingly simple and yields a far superior flavor. The key is using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Basil: Use fresh, fragrant basil leaves. The more basil, the more intense the flavor.
- Pine Nuts: Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry pan to bring out their nutty aroma.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a pungent bite. Don’t be shy!
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Salt and Pepper: Season generously to balance the flavors.
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until you reach your desired consistency. You can adjust the amount of olive oil to achieve the perfect creaminess.
What Kind of Chicken Works Best for Pesto Chicken Penne?
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures even cooking and easy integration into the pasta. Cubing the chicken into bite-sized pieces allows for quicker cooking and even distribution throughout the sauce. You can also use leftover cooked chicken for a faster weeknight meal.
How to Cook Penne Pasta Perfectly?
Al dente is the key to perfect pasta. This means the pasta should be cooked through but still firm to the bite. Follow the package instructions, but remember to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water helps create an even creamier sauce.
How to Combine Everything for a Delicious Pesto Chicken Penne?
- Cook the Chicken: Sauté cubed chicken in olive oil until cooked through.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package directions, reserving pasta water.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken to the pesto sauce. Stir in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to My Pesto Chicken Penne?
Absolutely! Roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes are all delicious additions. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables.
Is Pesto Chicken Penne Pasta Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free penne pasta. Make sure to check the ingredients list of your pesto to ensure it's also gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.
Can I Make This Pesto Chicken Penne Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pesto sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the pasta, then combine everything as directed. The pasta is best served fresh, however.
What are Some Variations of Pesto Chicken Penne?
- Spicy Pesto: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a kick.
- Lemon Pesto: Add the zest and juice of a lemon to the pesto for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Creamy Pesto: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche to the sauce for extra richness.
This creamy pesto chicken penne pasta is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a few simple steps and fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Enjoy!
