Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pesto Pasta – Fresh, Flavorful, and Easy

Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines tender grilled chicken, crisp asparagus, and al dente pasta tossed in a rich, flavorful pesto sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this recipe is both wholesome and delicious. The combination of smoky grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbaceous pesto creates a colorful and flavorful plate that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & Healthy – Loaded with protein, vegetables, and flavorful pesto.
Creamy & Light – Pesto coats the pasta perfectly without being heavy.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Versatile Meal – Great served warm or at room temperature for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz (225 g) pasta of choice
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• ½ cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes for garnish

Instructions

1. Grill the Chicken
   Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Slice into strips.
2. Cook the Pasta
   Cook pasta according to package instructions. During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add asparagus to the boiling pasta. Drain and set aside.
3. Combine with Pesto
   In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta and asparagus with pesto sauce. Add grilled chicken slices on top and drizzle with olive oil if desired.
4. Serve
   Plate the pasta, sprinkle with Parmesan and cherry tomatoes if using, and serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~420
Protein: 32g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Grilling to medium doneness keeps it juicy and tender.
• Fresh Asparagus – Adds a bright flavor and slight crunch to the pasta.
• Homemade Pesto – Blending fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan creates a more vibrant flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

Grilled chicken provides a smoky, savory protein that pairs beautifully with crisp asparagus and herbaceous pesto. Tossing everything together while the pasta is hot ensures the pesto coats every bite, giving a balanced and flavorful dish.

Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pesto Pasta is a quick, fresh, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and vibrant pesto, it’s a healthy and satisfying dish everyone will enjoy.