With just 5 mins prep and 15 mins cooking time, this speedy chicken pasta makes a brilliant weeknight family meal. Pesto is a thick and creamy Italian sauce that goes perfectly with meat or fish so it's a great addition to this chicken pasta recipe. The peas add a garden freshness and count towards one of your 5-a-day, but you don't need to stop there, you could also add sweetcorn and asparagus or any other of your family's favourite veggies!
Ingredients
- 300g dried pasta (farfalle, penne or similar)
- 250g frozen peas
- 400g chicken breast, diced into 2cm pieces
- 1tbsp vegetable or rapeseed oil
- 3tbsp red pesto
- 2tbsp Cheddar cheese, grated
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and add the pasta. Cook for 10 mins, until the pasta is almost ready, then add the frozen peas. Bring back to the boil, cook for 1 min, then drain well.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan and add the chicken pieces. Saute over a medium heat for 5-6 mins, stirring regularly, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Add the pesto and cook for a further minute.
- Add the pesto chicken into the drained pasta and peas, mix well and season to taste. Sprinkle with the grated cheese and serve in bowls, with warm crusty bread.
Jessica Dady is Food Editor at GoodtoKnow and has over 11 years of experience as a digital editor, specialising in all things food, recipes, and SEO. From the must-buy seasonal food hampers and advent calendars for Christmas to the family-friendly air fryers that’ll make dinner time a breeze, Jessica loves trying and testing various food products to find the best of the best for the busy parents among us. Over the years of working with GoodtoKnow, Jessica has had the privilege of working alongside Future’s Test Kitchen to create exclusive videos - as well as writing, testing, and shooting her own recipes. When she’s not embracing the great outdoors with her family at the weekends, Jessica enjoys baking up a storm in the kitchen with her favourite bakes being chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, and a tray of gooey chocolate brownies.
-
Tomato, bean and basil pasta salad
This tomato, bean and basil pasta salad is a great alternative to sandwiches for lunch boxes and is also an excellent vegan buffet option if you’re hosting a party.
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Simple chorizo and tomato linguine with rocket
This simple chorizo and tomato linguine with rocket is the perfect family dinner. Swap the rocket for some steamed broccoli if it’s too spicy for your little ones.
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Slimming World fruity pasta salad
This fresh, citrusy pasta salad makes a delicious light lunch and is ideal picnic food. A fruity pasta by Slimming World with orange, apples, and grapes...
By Slimming World Published
-
Stuffed lamb shoulder with feta and apricot
Our stuffed lamb shoulder with feta and apricot is infused with lots of Middle Eastern flavours and it only takes 30 minutes of prep
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Stuffed spring leg of lamb with herby chutney
This stuffed spring leg of lamb with herby chutney is best made the night before so it can marinate and intensify in flavour.
By Jules Mercer Published
-
Easter coconut and lemon cake
This Easter coconut and lemon cake serves 12 and leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to three days.
By Jules Mercer Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William's exciting spring solo trip without the kids is historical for this reason – and we're pretty sure pasta devotee Prince George will be so jealous
The Prince and Princess of Wales are heading on an exciting spring solo trip without the kids
By Selina Maycock Published
-
Prince William and Prince Harry’s ‘favourite’ childhood meals are surprisingly ‘normal’ and easy to recreate for family dinners
The brother's enjoyed "traditional, English food"
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
What is TikTok pasta sieve hair? The 'curly hair' trend explained
Here's all you need to know before you rush to the kitchen to try it...
By Selina Maycock Published