Easy Pesto Chicken Pasta

So, I got of the Megabus from Chicago last night and I was starving. Unfortunately, I’d just returned from Spring Break so I had NOTHING in my fridge. Seriously look at this fridge.

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I’m having groceries delivered tomorrow, but I needed to eat something tonight! I don’t like spending money going out to get food cooked for me, especially since I can cook for myself. I found this recipe yesterday for Pasta with Pesto Cream Sauce from the Pioneer Woman. Of course I don’t have a food processor, basil, heavy cream or… you know, pretty much any of the required ingredients because I cleared my fridge out before break. SO. Time to deal with things in my freezer and pantry! I DO have cooked chicken and pesto in my freezer, a block of parmesan in the fridge, plus pasta in the cupboard and that’s all you’ll need for this recipe! (And theres a bag of frozen veggies because veggies are a good side)

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For the easiest pesto pasta ever, you’ll want to cook your pasta according to the package directions, which probably puts it in a fancy pot of boiling water like this:

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You’ll need to warm up your chicken somehow, if you’re like me, you don’t have a microwave so you’ll want to get it out of the freezer about two hours ago, but most people have microwaves so it will be much easier to thaw. Cube or slice your chicken (it really doesn’t matter it’s just how you want to eat it). Grate about 34 tbsp of parmesan cheese.

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Here’s a thing about pesto: For a long time, I would always add pesto and butter to pasta. But that’s actually a terrible idea! Pesto already has PLENTY of oil in it! You definitely do not need to add extra butter. I promise, it will be okay! Drain your pasta afters it’s finished cooking, add the pesto, parmesan, and the chicken and mix it all around!

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And… BAM. Pasta. Delicious. Super easy. Serve with a side of veggies for real dinner!

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Recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 6 oz Pasta
  • 6 oz Cooked Chicken (a medium chicken breast)
  • 3 tbsp Pesto
  • 2 oz Grated Parmesan (about 4 tbsp)
  1. Cook the pasta and vegetables according to the package instructions.
  2. Dice or slice your cooked chicken.
  3. Drain pasta and throw in your pesto and parmesan. Mix well.
  4. Stir in the veggies and chicken and serve!

Makes 3 Servings.

Questions? Comment here!