Pesto pasta is a very versatile dish. The right meat can take the dish from being a simple weekday meal to a show-stopping Sunday dinner. But what meat goes best with pesto pasta?
Chicken
Chicken is a classic choice for pesto pasta. It’s versatile and pairs well with almost any type of sauce. Plus, it’s affordable and easy to find.
Shrimp
Shrimps slightly sweet flavor pairs well with the bold flavors of the pesto. And, it cooks quickly, making it a great weeknight meal option.
Scallops
A luxurious option that is sure to impress your guests. They have a delicate flavor that pairs well with the pesto sauce. Just be sure not to overcook them, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.
Tuna
Tuna goes well with pesto pasta because of the bold flavors in both the fish and the pasta sauce. The pesto will bring out the natural flavors of the tuna, and the tuna will help to round out the pesto sauce.
So, what meat goes best with pesto pasta? The answer depends on your personal preference. All of the options listed above are great choices that will take your dish to the next level.
Meatballs
Meatballs go well with pesto pasta because they have similar strong flavors. The strong garlic and parmesan complement the strong meatball taste.
Tip: Choosing a strong meat flavor is important when preparing food with pesto pasta. Not having a strong enough flavored meat allows the pesto pasta to outpower it.
Why Chicken and Pesto Pasta Go Well Together?
One of the reasons chicken and pesto go so well together is that they provide the perfect balance of flavors. The chicken is savory and slightly salty, while the pesto is rich and creamy with a hint of acidity from the lemon juice. Together, these flavors create a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.
Complementary Textures
Another reason chicken and pesto pair so nicely together is because of their complementary textures. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the pesto is smooth and creamy. This combination of textures makes for a dish that is truly enjoyable to eat.
A Perfectly Balanced Meal
Chicken and pesto pasta is also a perfectly balanced meal. The pasta provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the chicken and pesto provide protein and fat for satiety and lasting fullness. This dish is filling without being heavy, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
This one-pot chicken pesto pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spare. Simply throw all of the ingredients into one pot and let it cook! You’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/3 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 pound dry pasta noodles
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Why Shrimp goes with Pesto Pasta
Shrimp and pesto pasta is a great combination because the flavors complement each other so well. The sweetness of the shrimp pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy taste of the pesto. Additionally, the pasta provides a neutral canvas on which the flavors of the shrimp and pesto can really shine.
This dish is also incredibly versatile – you can use any type of pasta you like, add in additional vegetables, or even swap out the shrimp for another protein. No matter how you make it, shrimp and pesto pasta are sure to be a hit!
Recipes for Shrimp and Pesto Pasta
Here’s a mouth-watering recipe for shrimp and pesto pasta that are sure to please everyone at your table:
Shrimp and Pesto Pasta with Arugula and tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. spaghetti noodles
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups arugula leaves
Scallops and Pesto
Scallops have a sweet, delicate flavor that is reminiscent of shrimp or lobster. They are often compared to other seafood items like shrimp, lobster, and crab because of their similar taste and texture. However, scallops have a flavor all their own that sets them apart from other seafood items.
When cooked properly, scallops are tender and juicy with a slightly chewy texture. This makes them the perfect addition to pesto pasta, which has a sauce that is full of bold flavors. The sweetness of the scallops helps to balance out the strong flavors of the pesto sauce.
The Texture of Scallops
In addition to their unique flavor, scallops also have a unique texture that sets them apart from other seafood items. Scallops are firm but tender with a slightly chewy texture.
This makes them the perfect ingredient for pesto pasta. The pasta provides a soft, doughy base for the scallops while the pesto sauce clinging to the noodles adds some much-needed acidity. The result is a dish that is full of different textures and flavors that come together perfectly.
How to Make Scallops with Pesto Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb scallops
- 1/2 lb pasta (I like to use fusilli)
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Does pesto pasta taste good with beef?
While some may find the idea of combining pesto with beef to be bizarre, it’s actually quite delicious. Indeed, pesto is typically served with pasta or chicken. However, pesto can be an excellent complement to beef for a variety of reasons. First, it enhances the meat’s natural flavor.
Fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and pine nuts are what go into making pesto, and they are also what give the beef a new lease on life. And secondly, pesto can be used to tenderize the meat. The pesto’s acidity softens the beef by dissolving its stiff protein fibers, so that it may be eaten with greater ease and enjoyment.
Finally, pesto can elevate even the most simple dish to the next level. A dollop of pesto is an easy way to elevate the presentation of any dish, whether it’s filet mignon or hamburgers. Don’t be hesitant to try new combinations; you might be pleasantly surprised by how well pesto and beef work together.
For example, check out this Kale Pesto Pasta with Lemony Meatballs recipe.
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