Chicken Pesto Pasta

What you'll need

• 1.5 lbsboneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• to tastesalt and black pepper
• 1 tablespoonolive oil
• 12 ozpenne or fusilli pasta
• 3/4 cupbasil pesto
• 1 cupcherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cupgrated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cupreserved pasta water
• 2 tablespoons, optionalpine nuts, toasted

Let's cook

1. 1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
2. 2While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. 3Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice.
4. 4In a large bowl, toss the drained pasta with the pesto and reserved pasta water until evenly coated.
5. 5Fold in the cherry tomatoes and sliced chicken.
6. 6Top with Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts, and serve warm.