Save to Pinterest Pesto Chicken Chili Mac is a hearty fusion of classic chili mac and vibrant Italian flavors. This comforting one-pot meal features tender chicken, aromatic basil pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes, all tied together with oozy mozzarella for a dish that is as satisfying as it is flavorful.
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Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing comfort meal, this recipe delivers deep flavor with minimal effort. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes adds a sweet and tangy depth that perfectly complements the creamy pesto sauce.
Ingredients
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- Proteins: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta: 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni (or other short pasta)
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped; 1 (15 oz/425 g) can diced tomatoes
- Dairy: 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup (80 g) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Liquids: 2 cups (475 ml) chicken broth
- Seasonings: 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2
- In the same pot, add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3
- Add the browned chicken back to the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 4
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 5
- Stir in the pesto, mozzarella, and Parmesan until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 6
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a Dutch oven helps distribute heat evenly, ensuring the chicken browns beautifully and the pasta cooks consistently. Be sure to stir occasionally during the simmering process to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this dish by substituting ground chicken or turkey for the diced pieces. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free macaroni. If you want to increase your vegetable intake, stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the final minutes of simmering.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this Pesto Chicken Chili Mac hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh basil. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a refreshing sparkling water with a twist of lemon.
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This Pesto Chicken Chili Mac is a reliable and delicious way to bring excitement to your dinner table. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it provides a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy consistency.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but other short pasta shapes like penne, cavatappi, shells, or fusilli work wonderfully too. Choose shapes with ridges or hollows that catch the flavorful sauce.
- → Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely. Store-bought basil pesto works perfectly in this dish. If you have time, homemade pesto allows you to control ingredients and adjust flavors to your preference.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute the regular elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta shape. Brown rice pasta, chickpea pasta, or gluten-free corn blends all work well in this preparation.
- → What proteins can I substitute for chicken?
Ground chicken or turkey cook faster and work beautifully. For a different approach, try Italian sausage for added depth, or skip meat entirely and add white beans for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop, adding a little broth to loosen the sauce.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
The pasta continues cooking in the hot sauce even after removing from heat. Check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested time, and immediately remove from heat once al dente to prevent mushiness.
