Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Enjoy a delightful and flavorful dish with our Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-31T16:18:29.616Z

This Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta is a wonderful combination of fresh ingredients, grilled chicken, and vibrant pesto sauce, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with fresh basil flavor from the homemade pesto
  • Juicy, grilled chicken adds protein and richness
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

A Perfect Weeknight Meal

When the week gets busy, finding time to prepare a delicious meal can be a challenge. Our Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta is designed to be a quick and satisfying option. With its simple preparation and minimal cooking time, you can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. This dish not only saves you time but also ensures that your family enjoys a nutritious meal that is both filling and flavorful.

The combination of grilled chicken and fresh pesto creates a delightful harmony of flavors that can please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to use seasonal ingredients like ripe cherry tomatoes, which add a burst of sweetness and color to the dish.

Customizable and Versatile

One of the best aspects of this Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a vegetarian option, simply swap the chicken for grilled zucchini or mushrooms. You can also add other vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or asparagus for added nutrition and texture.

Moreover, if you're a fan of different types of pasta, feel free to experiment with whole grain, gluten-free, or even legume-based options. Each variation brings its own unique flavor and health benefits, allowing you to make this dish your own!

Perfect for Entertaining

If you're hosting a dinner party or gathering, this Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta is an excellent choice. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make for an appealing presentation that is sure to impress your guests. Serve it alongside a simple green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal that feels special yet effortless.

Additionally, this dish can be made ahead of time. Prepare everything in advance and simply toss the ingredients together just before serving. This way, you can spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious meal:

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (your choice)
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Grill the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from the grill and let rest before slicing.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and basil pesto. Toss until everything is well coated.

Serve

Divide the pasta into serving bowls, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta!

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it an excellent meal prep option, allowing you to enjoy the flavors again later in the week.

When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to help restore moisture. You can gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overheat, as the pasta can become mushy.

Pairing Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience, pair this dish with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the rich flavors of the pesto pasta beautifully and adds a refreshing contrast.

For beverage pairings, consider a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Grigio. Both wines enhance the dish's flavor profile without overpowering it, making for a delightful meal that’s sure to please.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto works well if you're short on time!

→ What other proteins can I use?

You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta

Enjoy a delightful and flavorful dish with our Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 8 oz pasta (your choice)
  2. 2 chicken breasts
  3. 1 cup basil pesto
  4. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  5. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  6. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. Fresh basil leaves for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from the grill and let rest before slicing.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and basil pesto. Toss until everything is well coated.

Step 04

Divide the pasta into serving bowls, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 28g