Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken

The aromatic blend of fresh basil and garlic in this Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken instantly transports you to an Italian countryside. Each forkful delivers perfectly al dente pasta coated in vibrant green pesto alongside juicy, charred chicken breast. This weeknight wonder combines simplicity with gourmet flavor. You’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken that balances creamy sauce with protein-packed chicken for a satisfying meal the whole family will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken stands out because it transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal. The contrast between the tender grilled chicken and the silky pesto sauce creates perfect texture harmony. The bright, herbaceous pesto clings to every pasta curve while the smoky chicken adds satisfying protein.

What makes this dish special is its versatility. It works equally well for busy weeknights and casual entertaining. The entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes without sacrificing flavor. The vibrant green sauce pops against the golden-brown chicken, creating a visually stunning presentation.

The homemade pesto elevates this dish beyond ordinary pasta recipes. Its fresh, garlicky profile balances perfectly with the subtle char of the grilled chicken. Even pesto novices will achieve perfect results with this foolproof method.

Ingredients

For the Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or fusilli work best)
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• ⅓ cup pine nuts (walnuts work as a budget alternative)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Cherry tomatoes and additional Parmesan for garnish

The secret to exceptional pesto chicken pasta lies in using the freshest basil possible. High-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference in the pesto’s flavor profile. For authentic results, use Parmigiano-Reggiano rather than pre-grated alternatives.

Pro Tips

Perfect Chicken Technique
For juicy chicken every time, pound your chicken breasts to even thickness (about ½-inch) before grilling. This ensures they cook evenly without drying out. Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after grilling before slicing to keep all those flavorful juices locked inside.

Pasta Water Magic
Always reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining your pasta. This starchy liquid helps the pesto cling beautifully to the pasta and creates the perfect consistency for your basil pesto chicken pasta. Add it gradually while tossing until you reach your desired creaminess.

Pesto Preservation
To maintain that vibrant green color in your pesto, blanch the basil leaves for 5-10 seconds in boiling water then immediately plunge into ice water. Dry thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe. This step deactivates the enzymes that cause browning, keeping your pesto brilliantly green even when stored.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat both sides evenly. Let the chicken marinate while you heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. The brief marination allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat while you prep other components.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Place seasoned chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have beautiful grill marks and be golden brown. Once done, transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips. Resting prevents the juices from running out when you cut it.

Step 3: Make the Pesto

While the chicken cooks, add basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan to a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. The lemon brightens the flavors and prevents the pesto from browning.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. The pasta should have a slight bite to it – this texture works beautifully with the creamy pesto sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the freshly made pesto and toss, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Fold in the sliced grilled chicken. The warm pasta will help release the aromatic oils in the pesto, intensifying the flavor of your Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken.

Step 6: Serve

Divide the Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken among plates. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, additional Parmesan shavings, and a few fresh basil leaves. The bright tomatoes add a pop of color and fresh acidity that balances the rich pesto perfectly.

Variations

Vegetarian Pesto Pasta
Skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables instead. Zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes roasted at 425°F for 20 minutes make excellent substitutes. The caramelized edges of the vegetables complement the herbaceous pesto beautifully. This variation keeps all the flavor while making the dish vegetarian-friendly.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
For a richer version, stir ¼ cup heavy cream into your pasta along with the pesto. This creates a silky, luxurious sauce that clings even better to the pasta. The cream mellows the garlic and basil slightly while adding indulgent richness to this grilled chicken pesto pasta. Perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something extra comforting.

Gluten-Free Option
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Brown rice or chickpea pasta varieties work exceptionally well with pesto because of their slightly nutty flavor profiles. The cooking process remains identical, though you may need to adjust cooking times according to package directions.

Storage and Serving

This Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil and warm gently on the stovetop to revive the sauce.

For an elegant dinner party presentation, serve family-style on a large platter garnished with fresh basil sprigs and lemon wedges. The vibrant green against the terracotta pasta creates a stunning visual.

Transform leftovers into a cold pasta salad by adding fresh mozzarella pearls and extra cherry tomatoes. This makes a perfect packed lunch that doesn’t require reheating. The bright pesto flavors shine even when served chilled, giving you two distinct meals from one recipe.

FAQs

Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
Yes! Pesto can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. This makes weeknight assembly incredibly quick.

What’s the best pasta shape for pesto?
Shapes with twists, ridges or curves like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle work best because they catch and hold the sauce. Smooth pasta like spaghetti works too but won’t capture as much pesto in each bite.

Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely. When short on time, use ¾ cup quality store-bought pesto. Look for refrigerated versions which typically have fresher flavor than shelf-stable options.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F. The resting period after cooking is crucial for juicy results.

Is there a nut-free pesto option?
Yes, sunflower seeds make an excellent nut-free substitute for pine nuts. The flavor profile changes slightly but remains delicious and allergy-friendly.

Conclusion

This Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of vibrant herb sauce and satisfying protein that comes together in minutes yet tastes like it took hours. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into special occasions without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with home kitchen simplicity. Master this versatile classic and you’ll always have an impressive, reliable meal in your cooking repertoire.

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