Easy Pesto Chicken Pasta for Two with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes Recipe
A simple and flavorful Easy Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe for two featuring tender oven-roasted tomatoes and a creamy pesto sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Oven-Roasted Tomatoes
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Chicken
- 4 ounces (1 1/3 cup) penne pasta
- 8 ounces (about 1 small) boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 1/4 cup (1 oz) shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Oven-Roasted Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it. Toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, then spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes until the tomatoes are nicely roasted and slightly caramelized.
- Cook Pasta: While the tomatoes roast, bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Lightly grease a medium skillet with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is well browned and cooked through.
- Make Sauce and Combine: To the cooked chicken, add the half and half, pesto, and 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 4 to 6 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes saucy. Stir in the drained pasta, then gently fold in the oven-roasted tomatoes to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Plate the pasta mixture, topping with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish perfect for two.
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a dairy-free version, replace half and half and Parmesan with coconut cream and a vegan cheese alternative.
- Roasting tomatoes enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
- Chicken breasts can be swapped with thighs for a juicier option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
