Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta
A delightful and flavorful dish combining grilled chicken, crisp asparagus, and vibrant pesto sauce over perfectly cooked pasta, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Vegetables
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
Pesto Sauce
- 1 cup pesto sauce
Finishing Touches
- 1 unit lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, around 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside in a large bowl.
Grilling the Chicken and Asparagus
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- In the final minutes of grilling, lay the trimmed asparagus on the grill and cook until tender and slightly charred, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
Combining and Serving
- In the large bowl with the cooked pasta, add the sliced chicken, grilled asparagus, pesto sauce, and lemon juice. Toss until well coated.
- Serve warm or chilled, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
This dish can be served warm or cold. For garnishing, fresh basil or arugula adds a vibrant touch. Complement with a crisp side salad or garlic bread.