If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you need to try this Pasta with Spinach Pesto and Grilled Chicken Recipe. It combines fresh, vibrant spinach pesto with tender grilled chicken and perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. The bright green pesto offers a creamy, herbaceous punch while the grilled chicken adds a satisfying protein boost, making it an ideal recipe for a wholesome weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering. It’s simple to make but tastes like you’ve poured your heart into it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, quality ingredients is the secret behind this dish’s incredible taste and texture. Every component plays a vital role, from the herbs that bring freshness to the nuts that add a beautiful crunch, making the flavors truly sing together.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice): These shapes hold the pesto beautifully for every bite.
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves: The star ingredient for that vibrant green color and earthy flavor.
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves: Adds a hint of sweetness and aromatic depth.
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty richness that elevates the pesto.
- ¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts: A creamy crunch that balances the softness of the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic: Provides a subtle kick that awakens the palate.
- ½ cup olive oil: The silky base that binds the pesto ingredients perfectly.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Brightens and wakes up the entire dish with a fresh zing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every element just right.
- 2 grilled chicken breasts (sliced): Juicy protein that adds substance and smoky flavor.
- Optional: extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes for serving: Garnishes that bring extra flavor and visual appeal.
How to Make Pasta with Spinach Pesto and Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. This ensures your pasta has a little bite and won’t get mushy when mixed with the pesto. Don’t forget to save ½ cup of the pasta water before draining — this starchy water is pure gold for loosening the pesto sauce and helping it cling to the pasta effortlessly.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach Pesto
While your pasta cooks, it’s time to create the vibrant spinach pesto. Combine fresh spinach, fragrant basil, grated Parmesan, your choice of nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Slowly stream in olive oil while blending until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste and tweak the seasoning; this is where you balance the flavors to your liking.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Pesto
Toss the warm pasta with the homemade spinach pesto, adding reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time. This trick helps achieve a luscious coating that isn’t too thick or dry. The pasta should glisten with the sauce, inviting you in for that first forkful of delight.
Step 4: Add Grilled Chicken and Serve
Top your pesto-coated pasta with juicy slices of grilled chicken breast. The smoky char on the chicken adds an amazing contrast to the fresh pesto. Finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat or extra cheesiness. Serve it warm and watch everyone dig in with joy.
How to Serve Pasta with Spinach Pesto and Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch. A few fresh basil leaves also brighten the presentation and flavor, while a dusting of Parmesan cheese invites an irresistible savory note to the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal. Roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled asparagus also make delightful sides that complement the rich pesto and tender chicken beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist, serve this Pasta with Spinach Pesto and Grilled Chicken Recipe chilled as a pasta salad perfect for summer picnics. Alternatively, layering the pasta in small glass jars or bowls makes for charming individual servings that are as pretty as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pesto will continue to infuse the pasta and chicken with flavor, making it a quick and tasty lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked grilled chicken separately, but the pesto pasta is best enjoyed fresh since freezing might change its texture. If needed, freeze portions of grilled chicken wrapped tightly to maintain moisture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and the pasta tender but not mushy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne and fusilli work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with spaghetti, farfalle, or even gluten-free options to suit your preference or dietary needs.
Is it possible to make the spinach pesto without a food processor?
Yes, you can finely chop the ingredients by hand and then whisk everything together with olive oil and lemon juice, but blending will give you the smooth, creamy texture typical of pesto.
What if I don’t have pine nuts or walnuts?
Sunflower seeds or almonds can be great alternatives that offer a similar crunch and nuttiness, helping maintain the pesto’s lovely texture and flavor balance.
Can I prepare the pesto in advance?
Definitely! The pesto can be made up to two days ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this Pasta with Spinach Pesto and Grilled Chicken Recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Just keep the chicken and pasta separate until ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta with Spinach Pesto and Grilled Chicken Recipe truly hits all the right notes when it comes to quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meals. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again because it’s effortlessly delicious and satisfying. Share it with loved ones and watch it become an instant favorite in your recipe collection.
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Pasta with Spinach Pesto and Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A vibrant and healthy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a fresh spinach and basil pesto, topped with juicy grilled chicken breasts. This easy weeknight meal combines wholesome ingredients and bold flavors for a satisfying and nutritious main course.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
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
Optional Garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
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 pasta cooking water, then set aside the pasta warm.
- Make the Spinach Pesto: In a food processor or blender, combine fresh spinach leaves, basil, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend while slowly pouring in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto: Place the warm pasta in a large bowl and add the prepared spinach pesto. Toss to coat evenly, adding the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Add Grilled Chicken: Top the pesto-coated pasta with the sliced grilled chicken breasts. Garnish optionally with extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm as a hearty and nutritious main dish perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience if you prefer not to grill your own.
- Swap spinach with arugula or kale for a different twist on the pesto flavor.
- This dish works wonderfully served cold as a pasta salad, making great leftovers.
