Claire Thompson
Pesto chicken is a popular dish that combines chicken with pesto, a sauce made by crushing ingredients such as basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. While pesto chicken often includes additional ingredients like parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and vegetables, it typically does not include olives. However, some recipes do incorporate olives into pesto chicken, either as a standalone ingredient or in combination with other ingredients like feta cheese. The inclusion of olives in pesto chicken appears to be a matter of personal preference and creativity, as traditional Italian cuisine may not feature this specific combination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | One Pan Pasta with Chicken, Pesto, and Olives |
| Ingredients | Chicken, pesto, olives, parmesan cheese, basil leaves, olive oil, salt, pepper, pasta |
| Recipe | Chop chicken into smaller pieces. Heat olive oil in a pan and add chicken to cook. Add pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente. Combine cooked pasta and chicken in the pan. Add pesto, parmesan cheese, and chopped olives. Toss to combine and serve immediately. |
| Variations | Sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, lemon, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, basil pesto, chicken thighs, butter, avocado oil, vegetable oil, garlic, pine nuts, half-and-half, evaporated milk, red pepper flakes |
What You'll Learn
Olives are an optional extra in pesto chicken
Pesto chicken is often served with pasta, and it is common to add olives to the pasta dish. For example, one recipe for chicken pesto pasta includes cooking the pasta, adding pesto sauce, and then finishing with chopped olives and parmesan cheese. Another recipe includes cooking the chicken in olive oil, and serving the pesto chicken with crusty bread and a salad, which could include olives.
Pesto chicken can also be made with mayonnaise, and served without pasta. One recipe for this type of pesto chicken includes a marinade of mayonnaise, chimichurri, and pesto, which is then grilled or seared. Olives are not included in this recipe, but they could be added as an optional extra.
Another recipe for baked pesto chicken includes feta cheese and olives, so in this case, the olives are included in the pesto chicken dish itself, rather than being served on the side.
Overall, while olives are not a standard ingredient in pesto chicken, they can be added to the dish as a complementary extra, or served alongside it, depending on personal preference.
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Olives can be added at the end, along with cheese
While pesto chicken is a popular dish, the addition of olives is entirely optional and not a standard ingredient. Olives can be a great way to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish, especially when combined with cheese.
When preparing pesto chicken with olives, it is essential to consider the type of olives used. Different varieties of olives offer distinct flavours, ranging from mild and fruity to more assertive and briny. Kalamata olives, for instance, are known for their robust flavour, while Castelvetrano olives have a milder, sweeter taste. Choosing the right type of olive can make a significant difference in the overall flavour profile of the dish.
The preparation method for pesto chicken with olives can vary depending on personal preference and the specific recipe followed. In general, the chicken is first cooked, typically by grilling, searing, or baking. The chicken cutlets or breasts are often pounded thin, seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes coated in a mixture of mayonnaise and pesto before cooking to create a juicy and flavourful base.
Once the chicken is cooked, the olives can be added. Chopped or sliced olives are commonly used, providing a nice contrast in texture and a burst of flavour. The type of cheese chosen to accompany the olives is also important. Parmesan, feta, or other savoury cheeses can be sprinkled on top or mixed into the dish, adding a creamy saltiness that pairs well with the briny olives.
Finally, the dish can be served as-is or with additional sides. Many people enjoy serving pesto chicken with pasta, crusty bread, salad, or roasted vegetables. The addition of olives and cheese to pesto chicken offers a unique twist on a classic dish, providing a balance of flavours and textures that can be tailored to individual tastes.
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Olives are included in some pesto chicken recipes
Another recipe that includes olives is the keto baked pesto chicken recipe. This recipe features chicken thighs or breasts baked in a creamy basil pesto sauce with feta cheese and olives.
The briny flavor of olives complements the creaminess of the sauce in these recipes, adding a savory element to the dish. While pesto chicken may not be considered a traditional Italian dish, it is certainly found in Italy and worldwide, flavoring meat, pizza, breads, and soups.
The versatility of pesto allows for its use in various dishes, and the addition of olives can enhance the flavor profile and texture of the dish, making it a tasty and convenient option for those seeking a quick, flavorful meal.
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Chicken pesto recipes vary, with many ingredient options
Chicken pesto pasta is a popular dish, with recipes including sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and various types of pasta. Some recipes suggest adding a little extra pesto to the pasta, while others recommend serving the dish with crusty bread and salad.
Chicken pesto can also be baked, with sliced chicken breasts or tenderloins covered in pesto and baked in the oven. This dish can be served with rice and vegetables, and topped with mozzarella or parmesan cheese.
For those who enjoy olives, there is a one-pan pasta recipe that includes chicken, pesto, and olives, along with parmesan cheese.
Pesto itself can be made in a variety of ways, with the most famous Italian version containing basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and pecorino. However, homemade pesto can be made with a range of ingredients, including basil, lemon, garlic, parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Chicken pesto is a versatile dish that can be adapted to individual tastes and preferences, making it a popular choice for a quick and easy meal.
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Olives are used in some pesto chicken pasta recipes
While pesto chicken pasta is a popular dish, there are variations to the recipe, and not all of them include olives. However, some recipes do incorporate olives, adding a unique flavour and texture to the dish.
The pesto sauce itself typically includes basil, lemon, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This sauce is then combined with chicken and pasta to create a tasty and satisfying meal.
One recipe for pesto chicken pasta with olives involves cooking the pasta until it is al dente, then draining it and setting it aside with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. In a separate pan, olive oil is heated, and chicken is added and cooked until golden brown. Once the chicken is cooked, the pesto sauce is added, along with chopped olives and parmesan cheese. This recipe provides a quick and easy way to incorporate olives into a pesto chicken pasta dish.
Another recipe for a one-pan pasta dish with chicken, pesto, and olives starts by cooking the pasta and adding olive oil to a pan. Chicken strips are then added and cooked until golden brown. At this point, the pesto sauce is added to the pan, along with penne pasta, and cooked until the desired texture is achieved. Finally, chopped olives and parmesan cheese are added, creating a delicious and convenient meal.
The addition of olives to pesto chicken pasta provides a briny, savoury flavour that complements the other ingredients. Olives also offer a contrasting texture, adding a juicy bite to the dish. While not all pesto chicken pasta recipes include olives, those that do create a unique and tasty variation on a classic dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Pesto chicken can have olives in it. There are several recipes for pesto chicken that include olives, often combined with feta cheese.
One recipe for pesto chicken with olives involves cooking chicken in a cast iron skillet, adding feta and olives, and pouring a mixture of basil pesto, garlic, and milk over the chicken before baking. Another recipe involves adding chicken, pesto, and olives to cooked pasta, along with parmesan cheese.
Olives can be included in a chicken pesto sandwich, along with mozzarella, tomatoes, and arugula. Olives can also be added to pesto chicken pasta, along with feta cheese.
