Stouffer’s pesto chicken pasta recipe

Here’s a recipe inspired by Stouffer’s Pesto Chicken Pasta:

Ingredients for Stouffer’s pesto chicken pasta recipe:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and tomatoes. Stir in the basil pesto until everything is well coated and heated through.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss to combine.
6. Serve the pesto chicken pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade version of Stouffer’s pesto chicken pasta!

FAQs

• What goes good with pesto pasta?

• Pesto pasta pairs well with a variety of ingredients. Some popular options include grilled chicken, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, roasted vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus), pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese. A side salad or crusty bread can also complement the flavors of pesto pasta nicely.

• What pasta is best for pesto?

• While pesto can be paired with various types of pasta, certain shapes work particularly well. Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle are excellent choices as they hold the pesto sauce well in their nooks and crannies. However, long pasta such as spaghetti or linguine also work nicely with pesto.

• What do Italians eat pesto with?

• In Italy, pesto is traditionally enjoyed with pasta, particularly with trofie, a short, twisted pasta from Liguria, where pesto originated. Italians also use pesto as a spread on bruschetta, sandwiches, or pizza. Additionally, it can be served with grilled meats, fish, or as a topping for soups.

• Do you add pesto before or after?

• Pesto is typically added to cooked pasta after it has been drained. This allows the warm pasta to gently heat the pesto sauce, enhancing its flavors and aroma. Toss the pasta with the pesto until it’s evenly coated before serving.