30-Minute Pesto Penne with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes

Introduction:

Indulge in a flavorful and satisfying meal with this quick and easy 30-minute pesto penne dish featuring tender chicken and juicy cherry tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe combines the vibrant flavors of basil pesto, succulent chicken, and sweet cherry tomatoes to create a mouthwatering pasta dish that’s sure to impress. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can enjoy a homemade Italian-inspired meal without the hassle.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup store-bought or homemade basil pesto
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, along with the basil pesto. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the pesto sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot, with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Nutritional Information:

• Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
• Calories: 375
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 57mg
• Sodium: 245mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 39g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 24g

W-W Points:

• This recipe makes approximately 4 servings, with each serving being around 9 SmartPoints on the W-W  program. Adjustments can be made based on individual preferences and serving sizes.