When it comes to the creamy and flavorful dish of pesto pasta, it is important to choose the right kind of meat to pair it with.
Pesto pasta has a rich flavor that stands up to bolder meat accompaniments.
The right type of meat will add a synergistic touch to the dish, resulting in an incredibly delicious culinary experience.
When choosing meat to pair with pesto pasta, opt for something that will not overpower or conflict with the pesto sauce.
Chicken
Meat that is delicate in flavor and tender in texture, such as chicken, is an excellent choice—it will create a complementary addition to the dish.
A boneless and skinless chicken breast can be pan-seared or poached and served with the pesto dish. Chicken thighs, which contain more fat than breasts, can also be cooked for added moisture.
Duck
If you prefer leaner poultry, consider duck.
Slow roasting a duck breast will ensure a delicious, juicy, and succulent flavor that pairs nicely with the creaminess of the pesto.
The combination of richly seasoned duck with pasta tossed in pesto will create a tantalizing entrée that is sure to please your taste buds.
Lamb
For those who prefer red meat, lamb is a great choice to go with pesto pasta.
Braising and slow roasting are great techniques to use when cooking lamb due to the time-consuming marination process that is said to enhance the flavor.
Lamb shanks or shoulders are ideal for creating a tender and flavorful accompaniment to the pesto dish.
Salmon
When it comes to seafood, salmon works wonderfully with pesto pasta.
The dish will be complemented by the fish’s delicate flavor, adding a subtle, yet pleasant touch.
In order to get the most out of the fish’s flavor, poaching or baking are recommended cooking techniques as they keep the moisture of the fish intact.
Oven roasting with fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley, creates a fragrant dish with an abundance of flavor.
Vegetarian Option
Finally, for a vegetarian option, mushrooms provide a savory meat-free alternative to the dish.
Sautéed portobello mushroom strips are great for adding texture to the pesto pasta.
To up the flavor, even more, brushing the slices with a combination of spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, and oregano, before cooking is highly recommended.
When it comes to choosing which meat to pair with pesto pasta, the options are plenty.
However, going with delicate meats and poultry, such as chicken or duck, will ensure the pesto flavor is not overpowered.
Additionally, choosing fish such as salmon, or choosing a vegetarian option such as mushrooms, is a great way to infuse the dish with an extra burst of flavor.
No matter what type of meat you choose, it is sure to be a delicious addition to your pesto pasta.
A Simple Pesto Pasta Recipe With Chicken
A Simple Pesto Pasta Recipe With Chicken is a quick and easy meal that is sure to have everyone asking for seconds.
This dish is an impressive and flavorful way to feed your family in a fraction of the time it would take to prepare a more complex meal.
Best of all, if using store-bought pesto, this meal can be prepared in less than thirty minutes.
To begin, start by boiling a pot of salted water and adding 8 ounces of your favorite type of pasta.
While the water is coming to a boil, prepare the chicken by cutting it into cubes.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken cubes.
Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Once the pasta is cooked, add 1/4 cup of pesto to a large bowl along with 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Heat the pesto sauce in a saucepan over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Be sure to reduce the heat to low once the sauce starts to bubble, otherwise, it will burn.
Next, add the cooked pasta to the large bowl containing the pesto, parmesan cheese, and olive oil mixture.
Pour the cooked chicken cubes into the bowl and stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Serve the pesto pasta with chicken, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves.
This simple pesto pasta with chicken is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight.
It is packed with flavor and rich in nutrients.
It’s a great way to make a memorable meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that is sure to be a hit among family and friends.
Enjoy!
