Hello Oh Sweet Basil readers! I’m Karen over at The Food Charlatan. I’ve been following along with Carrian’s blog for years now, it’s so fun to be here sharing my pesto chicken pasta with sun dried tomatoes and artichokes!
Raise your hand if you’ve got kids going back to school this week! Booo. I actually don’t, my kids are 4 and 2, but just the idea of anyone starting school this early in August kinda makes me want to throw pencils at somebody. Or maybe chalk. Do they even use chalk anymore? I feel old!
Fortunately I’ve got the perfect back-to-school dinner lined up for you. This one’s a no-brainer, guys. Warm up a (healthy-ish!) 4-ingredient sauce and throw in a couple veggies (can you even call sun-dried tomatoes veggies? Or have they crossed over into the “fruit snack” of vegetables? Too delicious to be healthy?) Then top it off with some rotisserie chicken and Parmesan and BOOM dinner’s done in 25 minutes.
Speaking of rotisserie chicken. Did your mom buy them when you were a kid? I can’t remember my mom ever using a rotisserie chicken. She is a pretty thrifty lady (I thought red grapes were like, a total treat) but now I’m wondering if they just weren’t as common back then?? I’m so glad they are all the rage now, because let’s just say I love me some whole roasted chicken. Definitely use this pasta as an excuse to buy one soon!
Are Sun Dried Tomatoes Actually Dried in the Sun?
Few, if any store-bought “sun dried” tomatoes are actually sun dried.
But, they taste the same (or better, actually) using an oven or food dehydrator.
Are Artichokes Good for You?
Artichokes are a good source of folate, dietary fiber, and vitamins C and K.
Artichokes are also packed with antioxidants.
Can Pesto Be Frozen?
Pesto freezes well.
Freeze in ice cube trays, and then store frozen pesto cubes in plastic freezer bags in freezer for up to 6 months.
Pesto may also be frozen in small jars or plastic containers for up to 9-12 months.
Pesto Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Artichokes
Pesto Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Artichokes
Ingredients
- 2 quarts water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup marinated sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 jar marinated artichoke hearts, 6.5oz, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 - 2 cups chicken, cooked, chopped (rotisserie is best)
- 3-4 cups fresh spinach
- fresh Parmesan, to garnish
Instructions
- Bring at least 2 quarts of water to a boil.
- Add 2 teaspoons salt.
- Add the rigatoni and stir occasionally until the pasta reaches al dente (check the package for times).
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet (with OUT the burner on) add Greek yogurt, cream, pesto, and cornstarch.
- Stir together with a whisk.
- Turn the heat on to medium and continue stirring until the mixture has thickened, it should take a couple minutes.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, cooked chicken, and spinach.
- Stir until everything is combined and warm.
- Serve immediately with a fresh grating of Parmesan.
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
Easy Cheesy Asparagus Tortellini Bake
Creamy Garlic Lemon Butter Pasta
Easy Caramelized Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella
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Leah Hanley
This was an excellent recipe. I followed it but added 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper. My hubby liked it too. I would say this serves 3 people without seconds, but could be stretched to 4 servings if served with bread and dessert.
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much for the feedback Leah! I’m so glad you and your husband enjoyed it!
Katie
It only lists this as providing 1 serving at 3993 calories! That cannot be right. How many servings is this really?
Sweet Basil
Ack! Thank you! This easily feed 6 people, so it’s about 665 calories per serving.
Katie
Hi, is the correct calorie count 393 per serving? It shows 3,993 which can’t be correct!
Kevin @ Closet Cooking
What a tasty pasta!
The Surprised Gourmet
This is definitely a recipe that would be enjoyed in our household. Sounds delicious.