PESTO PASTA WITH CHICKEN AND TOMATOES

Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Tomatoes image

Pesto is easy to make from scratch with just a handful of ingredients. Its fresh flavor is the highlight of this super-fast pasta dish, packed with cherry tomatoes and chicken.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

1 cup firmly packed fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
12 oz uncooked penne pasta (3 1/2 cups) (from 16-oz package)
3 cups Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup julienned fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

In blender or food processor, place Pesto ingredients.
Cover and process on medium speed about 3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides with rubber spatula, until smooth. Set aside.
In 4-quart saucepan, heat penne and broth just to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until al dente and liquid is almost absorbed. Remove from heat. Add pesto; stir in chicken and tomatoes; cook over medium 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Garnish with basil and 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 480, Carbohydrate 52 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 4 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 4 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 740 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g