30 Minute Pesto Penne with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes
This 30-minute chicken penne pesto recipe is your new favorite last-minute dinner! It’s done so quickly, you can even use canned chicken if you are crunched for time. Swap the frozen green beans and cherry tomatoes for whatever veggies you have on hand!
Bring a large pot (or high sided skillet) of water to boil, adding about a tablespoon of salt (it should taste like the ocean). When the water is boiling, add the penne and set a timer for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, add the frozen green beans. You don't have to use the whole bag, it's up to you. Set another timer for 4 minutes. Check the pasta and a green bean to see if they are cooked. You want the pasta al dente and the green beans just barely tender. When it is done, drain completely and return to the pot. If it's going to be a while before you add the sauce, stir in a couple teaspoons of oil.
Meanwhile, prepare the chicken. Slice each breast into thin strips, pat dry, and season with Lawry's and steak seasoning (you can just eyeball it).
Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add oil to coat the pan, 1-2 teaspoons. When the oil shimmers, add a few of the chicken strips (not all of them.) Make sure there is space in between. We want them to brown, not steam. After 2 minutes (or when you can see that it is brown), flip the chicken over and cook for one more minute or until browned. Continue until all the chicken is cooked. Set aside on a cutting board and let rest. Once it has cooled a bit, chop into bite-size strips.
In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, pesto, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Slice the tomatoes and shred the Parmesan.
When the pasta is drained, add the sauce, tomatoes, Parmesan, and chopped chicken. Stir it up.
Serve hot and garnish with shredded Parmesan.
Notes
How to store chicken pesto pasta
To store chicken pesto pasta, just pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or a little extra pesto to loosen it up. It’s also surprisingly good cold—kind of like a pasta salad!You can freeze chicken pesto pasta but with a couple of notes. The texture might change a bit—especially the pasta and green beans, which can get a little softer after thawing. If that doesn't bother you, go for it! Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water, chicken broth, or extra pesto to freshen it up.