Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pesto Pasta – A Fresh, Flavor-Packed Favorite!
Tender grilled chicken, crisp asparagus, and rich pesto come together in this satisfying dish that tastes like spring in every bite.
I still remember the first time I made this after a sunny farmers’ market trip with my mom—arms full of fresh asparagus and homemade pesto. We tossed it all with pasta and juicy grilled chicken, and just like that, it became a weekly go-to in our home. It’s comforting but light, flavorful but simple—a perfect balance of everything good.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Optional: red pepper flakes or pine nuts for garnish
Instructions:
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill on medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. During the last 2 minutes, add asparagus to the boiling water. Drain both together.
- Return pasta and asparagus to the pot, stir in pesto, sliced chicken, and lemon juice. Toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and optional toppings before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Printable Recipe Summary
| Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pesto Pasta | |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chicken, pasta, asparagus, pesto, lemon, Parmesan, seasonings |
| Instructions | Grill seasoned chicken, boil pasta with asparagus, mix everything with pesto and lemon, serve hot |
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes! Store-bought pesto works great, but homemade pesto gives it a fresher, brighter flavor if you have the time.
Q: Can I substitute the asparagus?
Definitely. Try broccoli, green beans, or zucchini slices as a seasonal swap.
Q: What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bowties work well because they hold the sauce and mix easily with the other ingredients.
Q: Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Just add a splash of water or extra pesto when reheating to freshen it up.
