Fresh Spring Chicken & Asparagus Pesto Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

This vibrant chicken and asparagus pesto pasta seamlessly blends fresh, seasonal ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among crisp asparagus spears, creating a harmonious dance of textures and flavors.

Bright green pesto sauce coats each strand of pasta, infusing the dish with aromatic basil and rich parmesan notes.

Packed with protein and nutrients, this recipe offers a balanced and satisfying dining experience that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Simple yet sophisticated, the dish proves that elegant meals need not be complicated or time-consuming.

Let’s find out this irresistible pasta that promises to become a new weeknight favorite.

Tips to Keep Pasta Fresh with Pesto and Veggies

• Try marinating the chicken in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before grilling to boost moisture and add extra zesty flavor notes.
• Replace asparagus with zucchini, bell peppers, or summer squash to create delightful seasonal variations that keep the dish exciting and fresh.
• Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a protein-packed alternative that transforms the recipe's entire personality while maintaining the core pesto essence.
• Make homemade pesto using fresh basil from your garden or farmers market to cut costs and elevate the dish's authentic, garden-fresh taste compared to store-bought versions.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and enjoy cold as a refreshing lunch option or quickly reheat for a speedy weeknight dinner solution.

Serve Chicken Asparagus Pasta for Weeknight Dinners

• Fresh and Zesty Plating: Serve this vibrant pasta on large white plates to showcase the bright green asparagus and golden grilled chicken, creating a restaurant-style presentation that pops with color.
• Picnic Perfect Meal Prep: Pack this dish in airtight containers for a delightful outdoor lunch, as it tastes fantastic cold and travels well for spontaneous adventures or workday meals.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the herbal pesto and grilled flavors with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, enhancing the meal's delicate and fresh Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Customizable Protein Option: Swap chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a versatile recipe that caters to different dietary preferences while maintaining the dish's delicious core flavor combinations.

Store Chicken Pesto Pasta Without Drying Out

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store this delightful pasta dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate ingredients like pine nuts and basil can be kept in small sealed containers to maintain maximum freshness.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's delicious texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken, asparagus, and pasta components separately during weekend cooking sessions. These ingredients can be stored individually for easy assembly during busy weeknights, saving time and reducing stress.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: For longer storage, freeze the pasta without basil and pine nuts for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and refresh with fresh herbs and nuts before serving to restore vibrant flavors and textures.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta Ingredient List

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides substantial muscle-building nutrients, best when fresh and evenly sized for consistent grilling.
• Rotini Pasta: Spiral-shaped pasta that perfectly captures sauce and adds delightful texture to the dish.

• Pesto: Vibrant herb sauce that delivers rich, aromatic Mediterranean flavors with basil and garlic notes.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that cuts through richness and adds zesty freshness.
• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that infuses deep, traditional Mediterranean taste into the chicken.
• Kosher Salt: Essential mineral that amplifies and balances overall dish flavors.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complex spicy undertones.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy fat that helps develop golden grilling color and prevents sticking.

• Asparagus: Crisp spring vegetable with earthy undertones that adds nutritional punch and vibrant green color.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides tangy depth and creamy finish.
• Pine Nuts: Buttery, delicate nuts that contribute delightful crunch and nutty complexity.
• Fresh Basil: Fragrant herb that offers bright, aromatic final touch to the dish.

Tools That Help Make Chicken Asparagus Pasta Smooth

• Grill: Essential for cooking chicken and asparagus, creating delicious char marks and smoky flavor.
• Baking Sheet: Perfect for preparing and seasoning asparagus before grilling.
• Tongs: Crucial for safely handling and flipping chicken and asparagus on the grill.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping asparagus after grilling.
• Sharp Knife: Important for precise cutting of chicken and asparagus.
• Large Serving Bowl: Used for mixing pasta, chicken, asparagus, and other ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately seasoning and portioning ingredients.
• Cooking Thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature.

How to Cook Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Easily

• Pasta Preparation

Boil the pasta until perfectly tender, then drain and transfer to a beautiful serving bowl, setting the stage for a mouthwatering meal.

• Grill Setup

Fire up the grill to a toasty medium-high temperature, creating the perfect cooking environment for your chicken and green spears.

• Protein Perfection

Season the chicken with a blend of zesty herbs, then grill until it’s golden and cooked through, letting it rest briefly to lock in those delicious juices.

• Veggie Transformation

Char the green stalks on the grill until they’re slightly crisp and beautifully marked, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

• Flavor Fusion

Toss everything together with a vibrant green sauce, a splash of bright citrus, and a sprinkle of creamy cheese. Finish with a scattering of crunchy nuts and fresh herb leaves for a restaurant-worthy dish that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Zesty Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and asparagus pesto pasta delights palates with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Classic Italian ingredients blend seamlessly, offering home cooks a quick and satisfying meal you can enjoy any weeknight.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta (gluten-free optional)
• 1 lb asparagus (woody ends trimmed)
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) pesto
• 3 tbsps Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps pine nuts (toasted)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh chopped basil
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Extra Pecorino Romano (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the grill to medium-high heat. Saturate chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drizzle asparagus spears with olive oil and season lightly.
2. Grilling Proteins: Lay chicken on hot grates, cooking 4-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160-165°F. Transfer to resting surface. Meanwhile, char asparagus for 2 minutes on each side until tender with light grill marks, then slice diagonally into bite-sized segments.
3. Pasta Assembly: Boil pasta in salted water until perfectly al dente, then drain completely. In a generous mixing bowl, amalgamate cooked pasta with sliced grilled chicken, charred asparagus, vibrant pesto sauce, fresh lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Calibrate seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
4. Finishing Touch: Elegantly scatter toasted pine nuts and delicate torn basil leaves across the dish. Serve piping hot for an indulgent main course or chill for a refreshing pasta salad alternative. Enjoy immediately to capture peak flavor and texture.

Notes

• Grill Temperature Check: Maintain medium-high heat around 375-400°F for perfect chicken sear and asparagus char without burning.
• Chicken Doneness Tip: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm 160-165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy chicken.
• Pasta Texture Secret: Cook pasta precisely al dente to prevent mushiness and ensure ideal pasta bite in the final dish.
• Pesto Pairing Hack: Use freshly made or high-quality store-bought pesto for maximum flavor intensity and authentic Italian taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg