Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

Pasta and Chicken

• 1 lb. fusilli pasta
• 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins or breast, diced
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce and Flavorings

• 6 oz jar pesto
• 1/2 cup capers, drained
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, salt-free
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1–2 tsp red pepper flakes depending on spice preference
• 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. In a bowl, season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and 1 tsp of red pepper flakes, coating it evenly.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add fusilli pasta and cook to al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat; add 2-3 tablespoons olive oil to coat the bottom. Cook the seasoned chicken for about 4 minutes per side, flipping once. During the last 1-2 minutes, add 2 teaspoons minced garlic to the skillet and sauté with the chicken. Remove chicken and keep warm under tented foil.
4. In the same skillet over low heat, add a little more olive oil and the remaining minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, then add fresh spinach. Toss with tongs to cook evenly for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
5. In a large bowl, combine pesto, drained capers, remaining red pepper flakes, lemon juice and zest, 1 cup Parmesan, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Stir to create a smooth sauce.
6. Fold in the cooked spinach, drained pasta, and cooked chicken into the bowl with the sauce. Add the remaining Parmesan and reserved pasta water. Toss everything until well coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

• For a homemade pesto, blend 3 cups lightly-packed fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, 1/3 cup pine nuts or shelled pistachios, 3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper, and 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil.
• You can substitute chicken breast for tenderloins depending on preference.
• Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps in adjusting the sauce consistency.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired spice level.
• Using fresh Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and texture.