Description
This Pasta with Spinach Pesto and Grilled Chicken recipe combines the freshness of spinach pesto with perfectly grilled chicken, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Spinach Pesto:
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves (packed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Optional Toppings:
- extra Parmesan
- red pepper flakes
- toasted nuts
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Make the Spinach Pesto: In a food processor, combine spinach, Parmesan, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until combined. With the motor running, slowly stream in olive oil until smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the spinach pesto until evenly coated. Divide among plates and top with sliced grilled chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- You can swap spinach for a mix of spinach and basil for more traditional pesto flavor.
- Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for an even faster meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Blending, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups pasta with chicken
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
