Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/6 checked
2
servings
1.5 lb

penne pasta

cooked and rinsed

1 lb

cooked chicken breast

chunked

3 tbsp

basil pesto

traditional

1.5 tbsp

margarine

or butter substitute

1 tbsp

olive oil

4 dash

salt

Step 1
~2 min

Cook penne noodles according to package directions until tender but not overcooked.

Step 2
~2 min

Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 3
~2 min

Melt butter (or margarine) in a large pan over medium heat.

Step 4
~2 min

Add the cooked and rinsed noodles back into the pan with the melted butter.

Step 5
~2 min

Drizzle olive oil over the noodles and toss to coat.

Step 6
~2 min

Add basil pesto to the noodles and toss well to combine.

Step 7
~2 min

Add the cooked chicken breast chunks to the pan.

Step 8
~2 min

Toss all ingredients together until the chicken is evenly coated with the pesto sauce.

Step 9
~2 min

Serve immediately.

Step 10
~2 min

Garnish with finely grated mozzarella cheese, if desired.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Add a splash of cream for a creamier sauce.

Use sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.

Garnish with toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

10 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made ahead and reheated.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad.

Serve with garlic bread.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Garlic Bread
Caesar Salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy

Cultural Significance

Common Italian-American comfort food

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Occasion Tags

Weeknight Dinner
Family Meal

Popularity Score

65/100

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