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30 Minute Pesto Penne with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes

Creamy pesto penne with chicken, cherry tomatoes, and green beans tossed in a quick pesto mayo sauce. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 973

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp salt for boiling water
  • 16 oz penne pasta
  • 16 oz French cut frozen green beans unthawed
  • 2 chicken breasts sliced thin
  • 3/4 tsp Lawry's seasoned salt
  • 1/2 tsp steak seasoning
  • 2 tsp olive oil for cooking chicken, plus extra for pasta
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise full-fat recommended
  • 1/4 cup pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 1.5 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp salt for sauce
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced in half
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shredded, plus more for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne and set a timer for 5 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cooks, slice chicken breasts into thin strips and pat dry. Season with Lawry's seasoned salt and steak seasoning.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Cook chicken strips in batches for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a cutting board, rest, then chop into bite-size pieces.
  4. After 5 minutes, add the frozen green beans directly to the pasta pot. Cook for 4 more minutes until pasta is al dente and green beans are just tender. Drain well and return to pot. Stir in a teaspoon of olive oil if not saucing immediately.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pesto, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  6. Add the pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, and chopped chicken to the drained pasta. Toss well to combine. Serve hot and garnish with extra shredded Parmesan.

Notes

Rotisserie or canned chicken works great as a time-saving substitute. Swap green beans for asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and taste great cold as a pasta salad.