Savory Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta Recipe – Ready in 30

Vibrant pesto pasta intertwines succulent grilled chicken with tender asparagus, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Bright green herbs dance through each strand, reimagineing an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful dining experience that awakens your senses.

Seasonal vegetables complement perfectly charred chicken, elevating this dish beyond simple weeknight fare.

The harmonious combination promises a nutritious and satisfying plate that feels both indulgent and light.

Fresh ingredients tell a story of summer’s bounty and culinary creativity.

You’ll find this recipe irresistibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Soak chicken in Italian seasoning mixture for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance deeper, more robust taste profiles.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exact 165°F for perfect safety and juiciness without overcooking.
• Grill Asparagus Perfectly: Rotate asparagus spears halfway through cooking to create beautiful char marks and prevent burning.
• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Toss warm pasta with a little olive oil immediately after draining to keep noodles separated and glossy.
• Balance Pesto Consistency: If pesto seems too thick, thin it with a splash of pasta water for smoother, more even coating on ingredients.

Storing and Reheating Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pasta separate from garnishes like pine nuts and fresh basil to maintain their texture and flavor.
• Reheat: Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and restore the sauce's creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure uniform heating.
• Freezing: Avoid freezing the completed dish as pesto and pasta can become watery and lose their original texture.

Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta: A Flavorful Combo

• Grill and Savor Flavor Explosion: The recipe combines perfectly grilled chicken and asparagus with zesty pesto, creating a mouthwatering blend of smoky, herbal, and fresh taste sensations that dance on your palate.
• Master Quick and Healthy Meal Prep: With just 20 minutes of cooking time, this protein-packed dish delivers a balanced meal loaded with nutrients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal planning enthusiasts.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: The versatile recipe allows easy swaps like different proteins, seasonal vegetables, or pasta types, empowering home cooks to personalize their dining experience while maintaining a delicious core concept.
• Enjoy Temperature-Flexible Dining: Whether served warm straight from the grill or chilled as a refreshing pasta salad, this recipe offers flexibility for various meal settings and preferences, making it perfect for casual dinners or potluck gatherings.

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta

• Pasta: Classic base for a light and satisfying meal, choose a medium-sized shape like penne or fusilli.
• Pesto: Vibrant green sauce with rich basil flavor, store-bought or homemade works perfectly.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that grills beautifully, look for even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
• Asparagus: Fresh spring vegetable with crisp texture, select firm and bright green stalks.

• Italian Seasoning: Herbal blend that adds depth to the chickens flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps with grilling and adds smooth richness to the vegetables.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that provides a nice finishing touch.
• Pine Nuts: Toasted nuts that bring a subtle crunch and nutty flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb for garnishing and adding a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta following package directions. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.

Step 2: Prepare Grill and Ingredients

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Place asparagus on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Grill Chicken

Grill chicken for 4-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160-165°F. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 4: Grill Asparagus

Grill asparagus for about 2 minutes per side. Chop into 2-inch pieces after grilling.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

• Sliced grilled chicken
• Chopped grilled asparagus
• Pesto
• Lemon juice
• Cheese

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil. Serve warm or chilled.

Pairing Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta with Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complement the bright, herbal pesto and grilled chicken, cutting through the richness with their zesty acidity.
• Match with Fresh Summer Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with cucumber and cherry tomatoes to balance the pasta's creamy texture and add a refreshing contrast to the grilled elements.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted sourdough or rustic Italian bread helps soak up the delicious pesto sauce and provides a crunchy texture alongside the tender chicken and asparagus.
• Cool Down with Citrus Spritzer: Prepare a lemon-infused sparkling water or light cocktail to enhance the dish's lemony notes and provide a clean, palate-cleansing finish to the meal.

Fun Variations of Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Coat chicken with chili powder and cumin, swap pesto for chipotle cream sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro and roasted corn kernels.
• Vegetarian Green Protein: Substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu, keeping the asparagus and pesto components intact for a plant-based alternative.
• Lemony Garlic Boost: Increase lemon zest, add roasted garlic cloves, and incorporate fresh dill for a brighter, more aromatic version of the original recipe.

Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled chicken meets zesty asparagus pesto in this Mediterranean-inspired pasta delight. Fresh herbs and parmesan cheese elevate this quick, elegant dish that brings Italian countryside flavors directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons shredded Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

Produce and Herbs:

• 1 pound asparagus, woody ends trimmed
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh chopped basil
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Extra Pecorino Romano for garnish

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini pasta, gluten-free if needed
• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) pesto
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until al dente, following the package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a spacious serving vessel.
2. Fire up the grill to a medium-high temperature zone. Liberally coat the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning blend, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Arrange the asparagus spears on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Position the seasoned chicken on the hot grill grates, cooking for 4-6 minutes on each side. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F (71-74°C) using a meat thermometer. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
4. Gently place the asparagus spears on the grill, charring for approximately 2 minutes per side until they develop light grill marks and become tender-crisp. Remove and slice into 2-inch diagonal segments.
5. In the serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta with thinly sliced grilled chicken, charred asparagus pieces, vibrant pesto sauce, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Finish by scattering toasted pine nuts and torn fresh basil leaves over the top. Serve immediately while warm or chill for a refreshing pasta salad option.

Notes

• Customize the pesto’s intensity by adjusting the amount of garlic and basil to suit your taste preferences.
• Check chicken’s doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure food safety and perfect texture every time.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like fusilli or penne for varied texture and visual appeal.
• Save time by grilling chicken and asparagus simultaneously, maximizing your outdoor cooking efficiency.
• Leftover pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy weekdays.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg