Easy Whole Food 3 Ingredients Chicken Basil Pesto Pasta

Who doesn’t LOVE simple? This Easy Whole Food 3 Ingredients Chicken Basil Pasta is just that EASY! 

It really doesn’t matter what season it is, this recipe fits them all. It is more simple to make than boxed mac and cheese. 

When I bulk cook chicken, I usually always have this meal in mind for one of the dishes that will come from said cooked chicken.

Not only is it quick, it’s one of our more “fancy” dishes. It definitely has the taste of a fancy restaurant dish. All of my kids love it, and that is usually a goal with every whole-food recipe we create or make in our kitchen. 

Some of you are living in the “good old days” right now and while that could be challenging, these moments, when you cook a whole food meal for your family something that adds nutrition… The time you spend with each other around the dinner table, all of this, will one day be memories. 

For me, I have this one thought, as I craft each dish I make, sometimes simple is just better. I know that my kids and my husband would prefer a simple whole-food meal, and a peaceful wife and mama, than a massive production for every single meal with the perfect dish.

So, as you go through life, there will be seasons of spending lots of time in the kitchen and there will be seasons that you just need something with simple ingredients that is as easy as this Easy Whole Food 3 Ingredients Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe.

How To Prepare Chicken

For the most tender juicy chicken, I like to boil my chicken for 6-7 hours in salted water. That being said, if you need a super quick throw-together meal, a rotisserie chicken is a great option. Just because I boil mine most of the time does not mean that you can’t cook or prep your chicken any way you want. Your favorite way will do perfectly!

I have different chicken cuts for different chicken dishes. For this specific dish, I more often than not just use a whole chicken. I have also used chicken breasts baked, you could use the chicken thighs, whatever you have on hand is where I would start.

What kind of noodles to use?

I more often than not use macaroni however penne pasta, spaghetti noodles, bow-tie pasta, or really any noodle could work. I have used many. I have even used quinoa, and LET ME TELL YOU it was delicious. 

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Actually, while your own pesto has a freshness you can’t get from any store-bought pesto, I LOVE Costco’s brand. It is organic and I use a whole jar of it in 2 lbs of pasta. 

In the case you would rather make it, here is a great recipe that you can create in 5 minutes or less. 

Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe

Homemade fresh pesto is extremely easy to make. Fresh basil pesto is especially fun to make in the heart of summer when gardens everywhere are blooming with fresh basil. 

Here is what you will need:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste

1. Add all ingredients to a blender or a food processor and pulse. 
2. Scrape down the sides with a spatula and there you have it, homemade pesto!
3. Blend until fully minced together.

Easy Whole Food 3 Ingredients Chicken Basil Pasta Recipe

2 cups of fully-cooked chicken
1 lb. cooked pasta
1- 1/2 cups Basil Pesto Past 

1. Bring some pasta water to a boil.
2. Strain completely in a strainer, then place it back in its pan.
3. Add your chicken in.
4. Add your basil pesto in.
5. Mix well, and serve! 

Optional Toppings

• Cherry Tomatoes
• Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese

How to store your Easy Whole Food 3 Ingredients Chicken Basil Pasta

Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. We try to eat it within five days IF there are leftovers which there rarely are. Haha!

Thats it! I love the simplicity of this recipe, and I hope it brings flavor and love to your home. 

Happy Whole Foods Cooking! If you enjoyed this recipe, you also enjoy the ones below!

EASY FETA QUINOA SALAD RECIPE

BEST EASY CHEESY CAULIFLOWER BAKE RECIPE

THE BEST HEALTHIER NO BAKE COOKIE BALLS (NATURE’S CANDY)

Only one life to offer,

Andrea