By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 4, 2026

Chicken Pistou Pasta

Serves 2

361 cal · 40 min

Chicken Pistou Pasta

Recipe GLPRa34cdca3971e6c

4.0(1)
French
Main Course
40 min
361 cal
Servings: 2
Stovetop
SNAP eligible

A French-inspired dish featuring tender seared chicken thighs served over pasta with a vibrant basil pistou sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, and a touch of parmesan. This light and aromatic meal brings the flavors of Provence to your table.

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Ingredients

4 cups fresh basil leaves

2 garlic cloves

¼ cup chicken broth

1 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 boneless chicken thighs

kosher salt

black pepper

8 oz pasta of choice

Directions

  1. Combine the fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, chicken broth, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a blender. Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency, scraping down the sides as needed. Set the pistou sauce aside. Any leftover sauce may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes on the first side without moving them. Flip the thighs and cook for another 6–8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is golden brown. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing.

  3. While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve approximately ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.

  4. Return the drained pasta to the pot off the heat. Add the pistou sauce and toss gently to coat all the pasta. If the pasta appears too dry, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

  5. Divide the sauced pasta between serving bowls. Top each portion with sliced chicken thighs. If desired, garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4

This is a straightforward weeknight dish with ingredients available at any Charlotte grocery chain—nothing requires a special trip. The cost per serving runs around $4–5, driven mainly by chicken thighs and parmesan, which is reasonable for a protein-forward pasta. The 40-minute claim is honest if you buy pre-made basil pesto or make a quick pesto while water boils, but building pesto from whole basil and garlic adds 5 minutes; clarify whether that's included. The recipe is forgiving and reheats adequately, though the paste-like consistency of pistou can thicken overnight and benefits from a splash of stock when warmed up.

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