Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1

Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets, about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 2

Roughly chop basil and garlic. Pulse together in a food processor until coarse, then add Parmesan and 4 tbsp oil. Pulse until pesto forms.

Step 3

Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high until it shimmers, about 90 seconds.

Step 5

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear 3 minutes per side without moving until golden and cooked through.

Step 6

Slice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 7

Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. Return pasta to pot.

Step 8

Add pesto and chicken to pasta. Toss, adding pasta water 1/4 cup at a time until sauce coats each strand.

Step 9

Divide into bowls. Drizzle extra Parmesan on top if desired. Serve immediately.