Chicken Pesto Pasta
Whole-wheat pasta tossed with grilled chicken, fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
For 2 servings
Cook the whole-wheat pasta.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the whole-wheat pasta and cook until al dente.
- Drain the pasta while reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid.
TIPAdding a splash of the starchy pasta water to the final mix helps the pesto cling to the whole-wheat noodles.Grill and slice the chicken breast.
Brush the chicken breast with one teaspoon of olive oil and season with black pepper. Grill for five minutes per side until fully cooked, then slice into thin strips.
TIPEnsure the grill is preheated to high to get distinct char marks without overcooking the meat.Prepare the fresh basil pesto.
- Place basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan in a food processor.
- Pour in the lemon juice and the remaining olive oil.
- Pulse the mixture until it reaches a thick, uniform consistency.
TIPPulse the blender rather than running it continuously to maintain a slightly rustic texture.Toss the pasta with pesto and chicken.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the fresh pesto, reserved pasta water, cherry tomatoes, and sliced chicken. Toss well to coat and serve with a light sprinkle of extra parmesan.
TIPAdd the cherry tomatoes at the very end to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming mushy.
What to keep in mind.
3 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Toast pine nuts in a dry pan for 2 minutes to deepen the nutty flavor.
- 2Use the reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce for a creamier texture without extra fat.
- 3Squeeze fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the herbal notes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High Fiber Content
Whole-wheat pasta supports digestion and provides sustained energy.
Lean Protein Source
Grilled chicken breast aids in muscle repair and satiety.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil and pine nuts provide monounsaturated fats for cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version uses whole-wheat pasta for fiber and lean chicken breast for protein.