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Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Ingredients

– 8 oz (225 g) whole wheat pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Creating Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.

2. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The tomatoes should become slightly tender but still retain their shape.

4. Mix in Pesto: Lower the heat and add the basil pesto to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken and tomatoes evenly. If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

5. Combine with Pasta: Add the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the pesto and evenly mixed with the chicken and tomatoes.

6. Toast Pine Nuts: In a separate small skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

7. Serve: Divide the pasta into serving bowls, topping each with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

8. Enjoy: Serve immediately and relish the flavors of this delightful dish!

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