Grilled Chicken & Asparagus Pasta with Parsley Pesto is a delightful culinary symphony of flavors that combines succulent grilled chicken, vibrant asparagus, and al dente penne pasta, all bound together with the fresh, aromatic goodness of homemade parsley pesto. With just a touch of indulgent Parmesan cheese, this dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple, yet sophisticated, cooking techniques.
Preparation of this dish is a breeze, with a total time investment of only 45 minutes, including a mere 25 minutes of cooking time. This makes it a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal. With its combination of protein-rich chicken, nutrient-packed asparagus, and wholesome penne pasta, it’s a satisfying and balanced meal that will please the whole family.
To start, gather your ingredients: fresh parsley, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, boneless chicken breasts, asparagus, penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, and red pepper strips. These fresh, vibrant ingredients form the foundation of this dish, providing a burst of flavor and nutrition with every bite.
Begin by preparing the star of the show: the parsley pesto. Simply place all the pesto ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth and well-combined. This vibrant green pesto adds a burst of freshness and herbaceous flavor to the dish, elevating it to gourmet status. For added convenience, the pesto can be made up to two days in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
Next, fire up the barbecue and grill the chicken breasts until they are cooked through and beautifully charred, about 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, slice the chicken breasts into tender, juicy strips and set them aside while you prepare the remaining components of the dish.
While the chicken is grilling, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling water until it is tender yet firm to the bite, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside, ready to be incorporated into the final dish.
As the finishing touch, grill the asparagus spears until they are tender and slightly charred, approximately 5 minutes. Once grilled, cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces, adding a delightful crunch and freshness to the dish.
Now it’s time to bring everything together. In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, grilled chicken, grilled asparagus pieces, vibrant red pepper strips, and sun-dried tomatoes. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible.
Finally, gently stir in the freshly prepared parsley pesto, ensuring that every ingredient is coated in its vibrant green goodness. The pesto brings all the elements of the dish together, infusing it with a burst of flavor that is both bold and balanced.
Once assembled, serve the Grilled Chicken & Asparagus Pasta with Parsley Pesto immediately, allowing your guests to enjoy it at the peak of its freshness and flavor. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend feast, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and irresistible flavors.
Nutritionally, this dish is a powerhouse, with each serving delivering a satisfying balance of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. With 817 calories per serving, it provides a hearty and nourishing meal that will keep you fueled and satisfied. The generous protein content of 32.4 grams per serving ensures that it’s not only delicious but also provides the energy you need to tackle your day.
Furthermore, with a moderate fat content of 45.4 grams per serving, primarily derived from heart-healthy olive oil and the natural fats present in the chicken and Parmesan cheese, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. The addition of fiber-rich asparagus and whole-grain penne pasta further enhances its nutritional profile, supporting digestive health and providing long-lasting satiety.
With just 9.4 grams of saturated fat per serving and 61.1 milligrams of cholesterol, this dish can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. Additionally, the sodium content of 366.7 milligrams per serving is moderate, making it a suitable option for those watching their salt intake.
In terms of flavor, the Grilled Chicken & Asparagus Pasta with Parsley Pesto is a true culinary masterpiece. The combination of smoky grilled chicken, tender-crisp asparagus, and rich, creamy pesto creates a symphony of flavors that dance across the palate with each bite. The sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes balances perfectly with the savory umami notes of the Parmesan cheese, while the slight heat from the red pepper strips adds a subtle kick that keeps you coming back for more.
Overall, this dish is a testament to the power of fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple, yet thoughtful, cooking techniques. Whether enjoyed on a balmy summer evening or a chilly winter night, it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, delighting your taste buds and nourishing your body with every mouthful.
