Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Overhead image of a white bowl holding Chicken Pesto Pasta, surrounded by ingredients

Fire up the grill and make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta! This pasta dish, which is amazing as a weeknight dinner or the perfect entertaining dish, is elegant and easy to make.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 476kcal

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts boneless and skinless (about 1 lb.)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
¾ teaspoon granulated garlic
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper fresh cracked if possible
16 oz. farfalle cooked according to package instructions
1 cup basil pesto homemade or store-bought
½ cup parmesan grated
¼ cup toasted pine nuts for garnish if desired

Instructions

Preheat the grill to 400°F.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper while the grill heats.
Cook the chicken until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. The cook time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts. If they’re thicker, they will need longer. Thinner, they’ll need less time.
When the chicken’s internal temperature is 165°F, remove from the grill, and let rest on a plate for 10 minutes.
Cut the chicken into thin slices using a sharp knife.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, pesto and cheese.
Mix well, until chicken and pasta are well coated with the pesto, adding a small amount of the pasta water if it seems dry.
Finish by adding lots of fresh cracked pepper and additional parmesan cheese.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

I don’t have a grill. Can I cook the chicken in another way?

Of course! Bake the chicken in the oven or sear it in a skillet. It will work any way you cook it, so long as you cook the chicken all the way through.

How will I know the chicken is done?

Take its temperature with an instant read meat thermometer! Gently stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken and let it read. We’re looking for a temperature of 160°F to pull these off the grill because they will continue cooking for a few minutes when off the grill. (We want the internal temperature to reach 165°F.)

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can. Short cut pastas like rotini and farfalle are good for this because they are easily coated in the sauce, but also very easy to eat at an event.

How do I toast the pine nuts?

Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until browned. Keep an eye on them because all ovens run at different temperatures and pine nuts can burn easily.

Nutrition