Cilantro lovers will rejoice with this incredibly flavorful pasta and chicken dish, generously coated in a vibrant, homemade fresh cilantro pesto. It’s a culinary experience that brightens any table!

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Chicken and Pasta with Fresh Cilantro Pesto: Your Next Favorite Weeknight Meal

Welcome, food enthusiasts! While holidays often call for grand feasts and elaborate plans, sometimes the best recipes are those that bring exceptional flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for any day of the week. We understand life can get hectic – whether it’s managing a busy schedule, tackling a home move, or simply navigating daily demands. That’s why we’re thrilled to share a recipe that combines ease, health, and an explosion of fresh taste: Chicken and Pasta with Cilantro Pesto.

Forget the myth that healthy eating means sacrificing flavor. This dish is proof that wholesome ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary. If you’re a fan of the bold, citrusy, and slightly peppery notes of cilantro, then you are in for a serious treat. We’re taking the beloved concept of pesto and giving it a vibrant, refreshing twist that will awaken your palate and leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cilantro Pesto Pasta

This recipe isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple cooking. Here’s why this Chicken and Pasta with Cilantro Pesto deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:

**Unforgettable Flavor:** The star of this dish is undoubtedly the homemade cilantro pesto. Unlike traditional basil pesto, cilantro brings a brighter, more zesty profile that pairs wonderfully with chicken and pasta. It’s a flavor adventure you won’t soon forget.
**Effortless Preparation:** In less than 30 minutes, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table. The pesto comes together in minutes in a food processor, and the chicken and pasta cook quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is precious but quality is non-negotiable.
**Wholesome and Nutritious:** Featuring lean chicken breast, nutrient-rich cilantro, and customizable pasta options, this meal is designed to be as good for you as it tastes. Opt for whole wheat pasta to boost fiber content and make it an even healthier choice, perfect for a lighter meal after a weekend of indulgence.
**Versatile and Adaptable:** While perfect as is, this recipe is incredibly flexible. You can easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal preferences, making it a go-to for various palates.
**A Breath of Fresh Air:** If you’re looking to break away from your usual dinner routine, this cilantro pesto pasta offers a refreshing change. Its unique flavor profile is a delightful departure from everyday meals.

The Magic of Cilantro: More Than Just a Garnish

Cilantro, sometimes called coriander leaf, is a herb known for its polarizing taste – some find it refreshing and citrusy, while others perceive it as soapy. For those in the “love it” camp, cilantro offers a distinctive aroma and flavor that can elevate any dish. Beyond its unique taste, cilantro is packed with health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants, helps detoxify heavy metals from the body, and is a good source of vitamins K and A. Incorporating fresh cilantro into your diet, especially in a vibrant pesto, is a delicious way to boost your nutrient intake.

Our pesto highlights cilantro’s fresh qualities, blending it with savory Parmesan, bright lemon juice, pungent garlic, and smooth olive oil. A touch of chicken broth helps achieve the perfect consistency, ensuring the pesto beautifully coats every piece of chicken and strand of pasta.

This recipe invites you to embrace the freshness of summer, no matter the season. It’s a bright, light, yet satisfying meal that brings a burst of flavor to your table. So, let’s dive into making this exceptional dish!

Chicken and Pasta with Cilantro Pesto

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Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

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Cilantro lovers will love this pasta and chicken dish coated with fresh cilantro pesto.

Ingredients

Pesto

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
1 cup packed fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chicken broth

Pasta

12 oz boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 oz fresh mushrooms sliced
1 medium onion chopped
8 oz cooked pasta (your favorite shape, whole wheat recommended)

Instructions

Prepare the Cilantro Pesto: In a food processor, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, packed fresh cilantro, and chicken broth. Process until the mixture is smooth and forms a thick, vibrant paste. If needed, add a tiny bit more chicken broth (1 teaspoon at a time) to reach your desired consistency, but avoid making it too runny. It should be rich and spreadable. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, sliced fresh mushrooms, and chopped onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through, no longer pink in the center, and the mushrooms and onions are tender and lightly caramelized. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Combine and Serve: Add your cooked pasta (ensure it’s al dente) to the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Pour in the freshly made cilantro pesto. Toss everything together thoroughly until the chicken, pasta, mushrooms, and onions are evenly coated with the vibrant green pesto. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of fresh flavor!

Tips for Perfect Cilantro Pesto Chicken Pasta

**Freshness is Key:** For the best flavor, always use fresh cilantro. Wilting cilantro will result in a less vibrant pesto.
**Adjust Pesto Consistency:** If your pesto is too thick, add a touch more chicken broth or olive oil. If it’s too thin, you can add a few more cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
**Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Cook your pasta to al dente according to package directions. It will finish cooking slightly when tossed with the hot chicken mixture and pesto, ensuring a perfect texture.
**Chicken Preparation:** Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking. For extra flavor, you can season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin before cooking.
**Save Pasta Water:** If you find the pasta mixture a little dry when tossing, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta cooking water. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and makes it creamier.

Variations to Explore

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your liking:

**Vegetarian Option:** Skip the chicken and double the mushrooms, or add chickpeas, white beans, or pan-fried tofu for protein. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth in the pesto.
**Add More Veggies:** Sauté spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes along with the mushrooms and onions for an extra boost of nutrients and color.
**Spice It Up:** For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto or to the chicken while it cooks.
**Nutty Pesto:** While not traditional for cilantro pesto, a small handful of toasted pine nuts or cashews can be added to the food processor with the other pesto ingredients for a richer texture.
**Citrus Boost:** A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end can brighten the entire dish even further.
**Cheese Choices:** Experiment with different hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a blend of Parmesan and Asiago for varying flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

This Cilantro Pesto Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:

**Crusty Bread:** Perfect for soaking up any leftover pesto sauce.
**Simple Green Salad:** A light, vinaigrette-dressed green salad offers a refreshing contrast.
**Roasted Vegetables:** Asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers roasted with olive oil and garlic would complement the dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might find the pasta a bit dry as it absorbs the sauce. To restore moisture, add a splash of chicken broth or water before gently reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. This will bring back the creamy texture and fresh flavors.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy meal prep option, or simply a new way to enjoy the vibrant taste of cilantro, this Chicken and Pasta with Cilantro Pesto recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Its ease of preparation and explosion of fresh flavor make it a winning dish every time. Enjoy!

More recipes for cilantro lovers:

Mexican Green Cilantro Rice from Girl Cooks World
Cornflake Crusted Halibut with Chile-Cilantro Aioli from Taste and Tell
Cilantro Lime Hummus from What Would Cathy Eat?
Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette from Real Mom Kitchen
Baked French Fries with Chile Peppers and Cilantro from Cookin’ Canuck