Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes

Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes is an easy dinner for busy weeknights! The whole dish can be made on the stove in under 40 minutes. Stir up the creamy pesto pasta with tender chicken, roasted tomatoes, sautéed veggies, and toasted pine nuts for a hearty pasta the whole family will love!

📝 Ingredients

• 1 lb pasta (penne or bowtie are great)
• 2 lbs chicken breasts (trimmed and cut in half horizontally)
• 3 1/2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp EACH dried basil, oregano, and thyme
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup pine nuts (optional)
• 1 lb asparagus (cut into 1.5 inch pieces (optional))
• 20 oz (2 pints) cherry tomatoes (if large, cut in half)
• 2 tbsp garlic (minced)
• 2/3 cup basil pesto
• 1/2 - 1 cup heavy cream (depending on personal preference)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of kosher salt, then boil your pasta according to package directions until it s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. 2In the meantime, combine the chicken, 2 tbsp of oil, and seasonings. Mix well, then set aside.
3. 3Heat a large non-stick skillet over low heat. Add the pine nuts and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly golden brown and smell fragrant. Remove and set aside.
4. 4In the same pan, add 1/2 tbsp of oil and increase the heat to medium. Add the asparagus and cook until tender crisp, about 5-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
5. 5Allow the pan to get hot again. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Pro tip: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure you remove the chicken as soon as it reaches 165 degrees F. This will ensure it is juicy. Remove and set aside.
6. 6Wipe out the skillet. Place it over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of oil. Add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and continue to cook until the tomatoes are softened and start to burst. While the tomatoes are cooking, slice the chicken.
7. 7Combine the cooked pasta, pine nuts, asparagus, sliced chicken, roasted tomatoes, pesto, and cream. Stir until well combined, then add some of the reserved pasta water until you have a perfectly creamy pesto sauce. Serve with fresh basil leaves if you're feeling fancy.