pesto chicken spaghetti

Servings: 8 servings
Rating: 3
Difficulty: intermediate
Category: main course

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 c. pine nuts
  • 3 c. fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 tsp.
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 c. grated parmesan, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 lb. spaghetti
  • 2/3 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 c. halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 c. heavy cream

Directions:

  • In a dry skillet toast pine nuts over low heat until golden, about 3 minutes
  • In a blender, combine basil and 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Blend until combined, then add most of the toasted pine nuts (reserving some for garnish), half the garlic, parmesan, and salt
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente
  • Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water, and return to pot
  • To skillet add remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Add remaining garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute, then add chicken
  • Season with salt and pepper
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes
  • Add pesto to skillet and stir until chicken is coated, then add tomatoes and heavy cream
  • Add spaghetti and toss until completely coated and creamy
  • Stir in reserved pasta water. Serve pasta garnished with parm and remaining toasted pine nuts

Notes:

Nutrition Facts: