26 April 2025
Chicken Pesto Pasta
RecipeShare Test Kitchen
A delicious and protein-packed pasta with pesto, chicken, and whole-grain ziti.
🌿 Chicken Pesto Pasta
If you’re craving something flavorful yet wholesome, this Chicken Pesto Pasta is the perfect quick-fix meal 💚. It combines lean chicken breast with aromatic basil pesto and hearty whole-grain ziti — giving you a delicious, protein-rich pasta dish ready in just 25 minutes!
🍝 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average pasta — it’s nutrient-balanced and bursting with fresh flavor. The fresh basil and garlic give the dish a vibrant kick, while pine nuts and Parmesan add that signature pesto creaminess. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this pasta hits all the right notes — satisfying, simple, and full of energy.
🧄 Making the Pesto from Scratch
Homemade pesto elevates this dish. 🌿 Combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and warm water for a lighter twist on the traditional recipe. It’s fresher and healthier than store-bought pesto — plus, you can control the salt and oil level.
💡 Tip: Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to enhance their nutty aroma before mixing them into your pesto.
🍗 Cooking the Chicken
Heat a nonstick pan with cooking spray and sauté cubed chicken breast until golden brown and cooked through. The key is to avoid overcooking — tender chicken absorbs pesto flavors better! Add the freshly made pesto and Parmesan cheese, stir well, and coat the chicken evenly.
🍲 Toss It All Together
Once the chicken and pesto are beautifully combined, toss in your whole-grain ziti and mix until every strand is coated in that fragrant green sauce. Serve warm and garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves for that restaurant-style finish. 🌿✨
💪 Nutrition & Balance
This recipe offers the ideal balance of macronutrients for an active lifestyle:
- Calories: 412 kcal
- Protein: 31g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 17g
It’s a high-protein meal that supports muscle recovery while keeping you full and satisfied. Perfect post-workout or for a clean dinner night!
🕕 Quick Recap
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: 2
- ⚖️ Balanced: High-protein, low-fat, full of flavor
Enjoy this Chicken Pesto Pasta as a go-to weeknight favorite that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition. 🌿🍝
Chicken Pesto Pasta
RecipeShare Test KitchenA delicious and protein-packed pasta with pesto, chicken, and whole-grain ziti.
Tools Used
We use affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients
USMetric
Pasta and Chicken
Pesto Sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- 1
Bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve.
- 2
In a bowl, make pesto mixture: add basil, garlic, water, pine nuts, and olive oil; mix to combine.
Cooking
- 1
Coat a medium pan with cooking spray and warm over medium heat. Add chicken and cook about 7 minutes per side.
- 2
When chicken is almost cooked through, reduce the heat to low. Stir in salt, pepper, pesto, and cheese. Cook until chicken is no longer pink inside.
- 3
Add pasta into the pan, stir to combine, and serve.
Save, Plan & Shop Smarter
Create and edit your own recipes, import from most websites, plan your week, and build smart grocery lists.
Import recipes from most websites
Create and edit your own recipes
Plan your week with the Meal Planner
Mark favourites for quick access
Build grocery lists from your meal plan
Tick off pantry items you already have
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories 412
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17g22%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol mgNaN%
Sodium mgNaN%
Total Carbohydrates 38g14%
Dietary Fiber gNaN%
Sugars g
Protein 31g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Create your own recipe
Add your personal creations and build your own recipe collection.
Loading...
