Description
A vibrant and healthy pasta dish combining tender grilled chicken with a fresh spinach and basil pesto. This easy-to-make recipe blends aromatic herbs, nutty Parmesan, and zesty lemon juice to create a flavorful sauce that beautifully coats al dente pasta. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a light summer meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
Spinach Pesto
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ cup olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Protein & Garnish
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- Optional: extra Parmesan cheese for serving
- Optional: red pepper flakes for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water, and set aside.
- Prepare the Spinach Pesto: In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh spinach, basil leaves, grated Parmesan, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Begin blending and slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth and creamy pesto sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto: Transfer the warm pasta to a large bowl and toss it with the prepared pesto. Add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce if needed, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
- Add Grilled Chicken: Top the pesto-coated pasta with the sliced grilled chicken breasts, distributing evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve the dish warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling your own for added convenience.
- Swap out spinach with arugula or kale for a different flavor profile.
- This recipe can also be served cold as a flavorful pasta salad, perfect for meal prep or picnics.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups pasta with chicken
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
