Pesto Chicken Chili Mac (Printable)

Comforting one-pot fusion of chili mac and Italian flavors with chicken, pesto, and three cheeses.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 8 oz elbow macaroni or other short pasta

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
06 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juice

→ Dairy

07 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1/3 cup basil pesto, store-bought or homemade

→ Liquids

10 - 2 cups chicken broth

→ Seasonings

11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Return browned chicken to the pot. Pour in canned diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine.
04 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then add pasta and stir. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente texture and chicken is cooked through.
05 - Stir in basil pesto, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and sauce becomes creamy.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Hearty Fusion: Combines the comfort of chili mac with Italian-inspired pesto and mozzarella.
  • Quick and Easy: A complete meal prepared in a single pot in under an hour.
  • Flavor Harmony: Balanced notes from sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto, and savory chicken.
  • Perfect for Weeknights: Minimal cleanup and easy-to-follow steps make this a stress-free dinner.
02 -
  • Allergen Check: Always verify pesto ingredients for hidden nuts or specific cheeses if you have food sensitivities.
  • Pasta Texture: Stir the pot occasionally while the pasta simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
  • Browning: Do not skip browning the chicken in step one, as this creates a deep flavor base for the entire pot.
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