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A close up of the finished dish of Chicken Pesto Spaghetti in a white bowl.
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5 from 3 votes

Chicken Pesto Spaghetti

By: Min Kwon | MJ and Hungryman
Dinner doesn’t get easier (or tastier) than this 5-ingredient Chicken Pesto Spaghetti! Juicy chicken, herby pesto, and tender spaghetti combine for the ultimate comforting, flavorful meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound chicken breast, sliced into strips
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 1 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • Parmesan or mozzarella cheese

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
  • Arrange the sliced chicken breast and cherry tomatoes in the baking dish. Toss with ½ cup pesto until evenly coated. Spread everything out in an even layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
  • While the chicken is baking, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
  • Once the chicken and tomatoes are done, add the cooked spaghetti to the baking dish. Stir in the remaining ½ cup pesto, mixing until the spaghetti is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, along with freshly cracked black pepper and red chili flakes if desired.

Video

Notes

    • Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining—it’s the secret to achieving a silky sauce.
    • Avoid Overcooking Pasta. Undercook the pasta by a minute to help it absorb the pesto sauce better.
    • This dish is endlessly versatile, so feel free to make it your own! Swap the protein, use your favorite noodle and add more vegetables of your choosing.
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Nutrition

Calories: 608kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 725mg | Potassium: 772mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1648IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 2mg
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