Why We Love Tomato Pesto Pasta
We love pestos (and pesto pasta) of all kinds! Easy recipes like my Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Pasta, Kale Pesto, Chicken Basil Pesto Pasta, and Creamy Pesto Sauce are quick to make but pack a big punch of bright and herbaceous flavor. This rustic pesto is made with sun-dried tomatoes and basil so it’s earthy, tangy, savory, and fresh in every bite. We pair Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto with seared chicken breasts and pasta for a complete dinner that satisfies! Best of all, this easy tomato pesto sauce recipe with pasta and chicken is ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes, from start to finish.
Ingredients Needed
For the Tomato Pesto
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil Walnuts – or almonds or pine nuts Parmesan cheese – grated Fresh basil leaves Garlic cloves Crushed red pepper (red pepper flakes) Extra virgin olive oil
To Make the Chicken Pesto Pasta
Dried pasta – I used rigatoni. Boneless chicken breast Salt and pepper
Pro Tip: If you or someone you know if allergic to nuts, make a nut free sun dried tomato pesto by using sunflower seeds!
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Firstly, set a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring it to a boil. Meanwhile, place a skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast for 1 to 3 minutes, tossing, until they smell rich and toasty. Then turn off the heat and remove the nuts. Reserve the skillet for later use. Set out a food processor. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and their oils, toasted walnuts, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Purée until smooth. Scrape the bowl of the food processor. Then lock the lid back into place and purée again drizzling olive oil into the food processor, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
How to Make Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken
Once the water is boiling, drop the pasta into the water, stir, and then cook according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water to use in the sauce if needed. While the pasta is cooking place the skillet back over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) to the skillet. Salt and pepper the chicken liberally on both sides. Then sear the chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Once fully cooked, move the chicken breasts to a cutting board and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing them into thin pieces. When ready to serve, move the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add about half of the sun-dried tomato pesto. Mix well, adding a little bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the pesto. Add in more pesto if you like. Pro Tip: You can use all of the sun-dried tomato pesto to make this dish, or save some for later use. Once the pasta is well coated in pesto, stir in the sliced chicken pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish the chicken and pasta with fresh basil and parmesan cheese. Make this a complete pasta dinner by serving it alongside a fresh salad and bread! Enjoy with Homemade Breadsticks, Easy Garlic Bread, or Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread for the full Italian-inspired restaurant experience.
Recipe Variations
Regular Pesto: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand or you aren’t a fan, simply omit them and make a basil pesto sauce! Gluten-Free: For gluten-free chicken sun dried tomato pesto pasta, use you favorite gluten-free noodles! Vegetarian: You can easily make this pasta dish vegetarian my omitting the chicken. Serve as is or for extra protein add in white beans! Vegan: For a vegan pesto pasta, simply omit the parmesan cheese and chicken!
How do you make this a vegetarian pesto pasta recipe?
Simply omit the chicken for a vegetarian version. Or serve it with seared slices of firm tofu. It can even be made vegan by using your favorite dairy-free parm cheese substitute!
What else can I do with sun-dried tomato pesto?
The deep tangy flavor and silky consistency of this sun dried tomato pesto recipe makes it perfect to smear on sandwiches. Or include it in a charcuterie platter for dipping! It can also be used in other pasta dishes. Try it in place of the suggested recipe pesto in dishes like Chicken Pesto Pasta, Pesto Chicken Tortellini, and Baked Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Chicken.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomato pesto to make pasta with chicken?
If you are looking for a fabulous chicken pasta recipe that doesn’t include pesto, try my No-Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta or One Pot Chicken Pasta with Light Basil Cream Sauce.
What else can I put in homemade pesto?
Pesto is a blend of good olive oil, nuts, cheese, garlic, and WHATEVER else you would like to put in it! Try making it with artichokes, roasted vegetables, spinach, arugula, or sauteed mushrooms.
What kinds of noodles go well with pesto?
With this sun-dried tomato pesto recipe, short or small noodles with holes where the sauce can fill are great to use. Something like penne, ziti, rigatoni, campanelle, casarecce, shells, bow ties, or orrechiette would all work well!
How long do leftovers last?
This is a great make-ahead recipe for your weekly meal prepping! The sundried tomato pesto flavors and pasta just get tastier and tastier after they have been combined. Keep leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container and enjoy within 4 days.
Looking for More Easy Pasta Recipes?
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Chicken Piccata Pasta Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Salad
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