Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto

Hey, friend! If you’re in the mood for a meal that’s as vibrant as it is comforting, this Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto is about to become your new go-to dish. Imagine perfectly tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and fresh veggies all wrapped up in a creamy, herb-packed pesto that has just the right amount of nutty crunch. Trust me, when this hits your taste buds, you’ll be hooked. It’s fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying—a real winner on busy weeknights or when you just want something that feels like a special treat.

And the best part? It’s super easy to throw together, but the end result feels like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Ready to give it a try? You’re going to love it.

Why You’ll Love Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto

This dish is a total game-changer, and here’s why it should be your next kitchen adventure:

Versatile

This recipe is perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you’re making dinner for the family, preparing a meal for a date night, or even hosting a cozy dinner party, this penne will shine. And if you’ve got leftover pesto? Trust me, you’ll want to keep that in your fridge—it’s perfect on just about anything, from sandwiches to salads to roasted veggies.

Budget-Friendly

No need to hunt down exotic ingredients! This dish uses simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. And while it’s budget-friendly, the flavors are so fresh and vibrant, they’ll make you feel like you’re eating at a fancy restaurant.

Quick and Easy

This one’s a breeze. I’m talking easy prep and minimal cleanup. The chicken gets a nice sear, the veggies cook up in no time, and the pesto comes together in a blender or food processor. You’re in and out of the kitchen in a flash, but no one will know how little time you actually spent on it.

Customizable

Love a little extra spice? Throw in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Want to make it extra creamy? Stir in a bit of cream or extra cheese. You can make this dish fit your exact cravings, so it’s always perfect for whatever mood you’re in.

Crowd-Pleasing

Let’s be real, who doesn’t love pasta and chicken? This one will get rave reviews every time. It’s hearty and satisfying, but also light enough to not leave you feeling overly stuffed. Kids, adults, picky eaters—everyone will dig in with a smile.

Ingredients in Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto

Here’s the magic of this recipe—it comes together with just a few simple ingredients, but the flavors are next-level. Let’s take a peek:

Chicken Breasts

These boneless, skinless chicken breasts are your protein base, and they cook up juicy and tender, soaking up all the flavors from that luscious pesto.

Penne Pasta

The perfect pasta shape to hold onto that pesto! Penne’s ridges grab all the sauce and make every bite as flavorful as the last.

Fresh Veggies

A colorful mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes adds a burst of freshness and crunch to balance out the richness of the pesto.

Parsley

This fresh herb isn’t just for garnish—it’s a key component of the pesto, adding a bright, herby flavor that ties everything together.

Walnuts

These toasted nuts add a nice crunch and earthy depth to the pesto. They’re the secret to making the pesto both creamy and a little bit nutty in the best way.

Parmesan Cheese

A generous handful of parmesan adds saltiness and creaminess to the pesto sauce. It’s that perfect finishing touch that brings everything together.

Garlic

Ah, garlic. The flavor hero of any great dish! It infuses the pesto with that aromatic, savory flavor that makes everything taste a little more magical.

(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly, and the veggies get that beautiful roasted finish.

Prepare the Pesto

In a food processor or blender, combine fresh parsley, toasted walnuts, garlic, parmesan, and a splash of olive oil. Pulse until it’s smooth and creamy, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The pesto should be rich and slightly chunky—don’t make it too smooth!

Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest.

Cook the Penne

Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you need it to thin out the pesto.

Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, sauté the bell peppers and zucchini until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Toss in the cherry tomatoes for the last minute of cooking to warm them through.

Assemble the Dish

Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. In a large bowl, combine the penne, sautéed veggies, and sliced chicken. Add the pesto, and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pasta in bowls, and top with a little extra parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. And don’t forget to garnish with a few fresh parsley leaves for a pop of color. Dig in and enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto

This dish is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking to make it a complete meal, here are a few sides to elevate the experience:

Fresh Salads

Pair it with a crisp green salad, maybe with a tangy lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the pesto.

Crusty Bread

Nothing beats dipping warm, crusty bread into that extra pesto sauce. It’s the perfect accompaniment to mop up every last bit of flavor.

Creamy Accompaniments

For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a dollop of creamy yogurt or a side of sour cream. It adds a cool contrast to the warm pesto.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies, like carrots or asparagus, would add even more texture and color to the plate.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead

Chop the veggies and cook the chicken ahead of time to make the actual cooking part even quicker. You can also make the pesto a day in advance to let the flavors develop.

Spice It Up

If you love a little kick, add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the pesto for extra depth and heat.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss in a hot pan with a little olive oil to bring it back to life.

Double the Batch

This dish makes fantastic leftovers, so consider doubling the batch for an easy meal the next day.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
A1: Absolutely! You can use pine nuts, almonds, or cashews if you prefer. Each nut will bring its own unique flavor to the pesto.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prep the chicken, pasta, and pesto earlier in the day, and simply assemble everything when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: While the pesto freezes well, the pasta and chicken might not have the same texture once thawed. But you can freeze the pesto separately and use it later.

Q5: How can I make this dish healthier?
A5: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist. You can also swap out some of the olive oil for a lower-fat option.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure you have a large enough skillet and pot for the increased quantities. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly.

Conclusion

This Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto is truly a flavor-packed dish that will make your taste buds dance! Quick, easy, and customizable, it’s the perfect solution for those nights when you want something simple but extraordinary. Enjoy every bite—you earned it!

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