Chicken Pesto Pasta with Garlic Roasted Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Tender chicken, al dente pasta, sweet roasted garlic tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts tossed in a fresh basil pesto make a wholesome Mediterranean-inspired dish. Quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
For the Pasta
300g pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
Salted water for boiling
For the Garlic Roasted Tomatoes
2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: ½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
For the Pesto
1 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp pine nuts
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
Extra Parmesan
Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
1. Roast the Garlic Tomatoes
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional oregano/thyme.
Roast for 15–20 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cook chicken 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
4. Make the Pesto
In a food processor or blender, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Blend until smooth. Adjust oil or seasoning if needed.
5. Combine Everything
In the skillet with cooked chicken, add pasta, roasted tomatoes, and pesto.
Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
6. Serve
Divide into bowls.
Sprinkle extra pine nuts and Parmesan.
Garnish with fresh basil.
Tips
Extra flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a more Mediterranean touch.
Make it creamy: Stir in 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or cream.
Protein swap: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu.
Meal prep: Keep pesto separate to retain freshness; combine just before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbs: 48 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 5 g