Making your own pesto takes just minutes in our Italian chicken and pasta dish, but you could buy shop-bought pesto to speed things up.
Ingredients
- 15g olive spread (try Benecol® Olive Spread)
- 2 x 150g skinless chicken breasts
- 160g tagliatelle
- Steamed broccoli and beans to serve
For the
pesto sauce
:
- 1 x 25g bag basil leaves
- 25g pine nuts
- 15g Parmesan cheese broken in pieces
- 1 clove garlic
- 40g 15g olive spread (try Benecol® Olive Spread)
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- To make the pesto: Place the basil in a small food processor or liquidiser and blend until roughly chopped. Add the pine nuts, cheese and garlic and blend again. Add the olive spread and blend to a rough paste. Set aside for later use.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan oven 180°C/400°F/gas 6.
- Melt 15g olive spread in a frying pan and heat until hot over a medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 10 mins, turning frequently to brown both sides. Place on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for about 10 mins until completely cooked through.
- Meanwhile cook the pasta according to the pack instructions and drain well. Stir in the pesto, cover the pan and leave to melt for 1 or 2 mins.
- Serve the chicken and pasta on a plate with the steamed broccoli and beans.
Top Tip for making Pesto chicken
The pesto can be made in advance and will keep covered in the fridge for a week.
Trusted, informative, and empathetic – GoodToKnow is the ultimate online destination for mums. Established in 2007, our 15-year-strong archive of content includes more than 18,000 articles, 1,500 how-to videos, and 7,000 recipes.
-
Tomato, bean and basil pasta salad
This tomato, bean and basil pasta salad is a great alternative to sandwiches for lunch boxes and is also an excellent vegan buffet option if you’re hosting a party.
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Simple chorizo and tomato linguine with rocket
This simple chorizo and tomato linguine with rocket is the perfect family dinner. Swap the rocket for some steamed broccoli if it’s too spicy for your little ones.
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Slimming World fruity pasta salad
This fresh, citrusy pasta salad makes a delicious light lunch and is ideal picnic food. A fruity pasta by Slimming World with orange, apples, and grapes...
By Slimming World Published
-
Feta and spinach stuffed chicken
This feta and spinach stuffed chicken is cooked in 25 minutes and only has four steps in the method
By Jessica Ransom Published
-
Sweet potato and courgette fish cakes
These sweet potato and courgette fish cakes take 30 minutes to make and can be served with chips, salad, or steamed veg on the side...
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Chicken and spinach lasagne
This chicken and spinach lasagne is a great new take on the family favourite and it’s easy to prepare during the day to cook come dinner time...
By Jessica Ransom Published
-
Best Valentine's Day jokes for kids
Put a smile on your little one's face with these hilarious Valentine's Day jokes for kids
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
6 adorable mini me pyjama sets that are perfect for Valentine's Day (and every night after)
Share the love with your kids this Valentine's Day with these adorable mini me pyjama sets, from just £12.50
By Sarah Handley Published
-
The cheapest Valentine's Day meal has been revealed - with a yummy three-course dinner for under £4 each
Aldi has launched its cheapest Valentine's Day meal deals for two with steaks, seafood and veggie options.
By Selina Maycock Published