Grilled Chicken Pesto Penne Pasta
A vibrant and flavorful bowl of al dente penne pasta tossed in creamy basil pesto, topped with juicy grilled chicken slices and a sprinkle of Parmesan. A wholesome, high-protein meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Extra pesto
- Optional: Shaved Parmesan
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill chicken on a hot grill or grill pan for 5–7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let rest, then slice thinly.
- In a large bowl, toss hot pasta with basil pesto and Parmesan until fully coated.
- Plate the pasta and top with grilled chicken slices.
- Garnish with extra pesto, shaved Parmesan, and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Store-bought pesto works well, but homemade offers fresher flavor.
- Great for meal prep — keep components separate and combine when ready to eat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: grilled chicken pasta, pesto penne, chicken pesto pasta, high protein pasta, Italian chicken dish
Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/grilled-chicken-pesto-penne-pasta/