Herb-Infused Grilled Chicken & Asparagus Pasta with Creamy Parsley Pesto
Elevate your dinner experience with this delightful Herb-Infused Grilled Chicken & Asparagus Pasta dish. The homemade creamy parsley pesto brings a burst of freshness, adding depth to every bite. Grilled asparagus contributes a smoky flavor, perfectly complementing tender pasta and succulent chicken. Infused with sun-dried tomatoes and vibrant red pepper, this dish is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Parsley
1 cup (packed)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
2/3 cup
Toasted Pine Nuts
2 tablespoons
Garlic
4 cloves (minced)
Asparagus
1 lb
Penne Pasta
3 cups
Sweet Red Pepper
1 (cut into thin strips)
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
1/2 cup (packed in oil, drained and cut into small pieces)
Boneless Chicken Breasts
2
Instructions
1
Prepare the parsley pesto by placing parsley, olive oil, parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and minced garlic into a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2
Note: You may prepare the pesto up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before use.
3
Preheat your barbecue or grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked. Slice the grilled chicken and set aside.
4
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5
Prepare the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends. Grill the asparagus spears for about 5 minutes until they're crisp-tender and lightly charred, turning occasionally. Remove from grill and cut into 2-inch pieces.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne, sliced chicken, grilled asparagus, red pepper strips, and sun-dried tomatoes. Gently fold in the creamy parsley pesto until everything is well-coated.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Herb-Infused Grilled Chicken & Asparagus Pasta with Creamy Parsley Pesto.
What are the main ingredients in the pesto?
The pesto is made from fresh parsley, olive oil, freshly grated parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and minced garlic.
How do I prepare the homemade pesto?
Place parsley, olive oil, parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
Can the pesto be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pesto up to 2 days in advance if stored in the refrigerator.
What should I do before using refrigerated pesto?
Bring the refrigerated pesto to room temperature before use.
What temperature should the grill be?
Preheat your barbecue or grill to medium-high heat.
How long should the chicken breasts be grilled?
Grill the chicken for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for penne pasta.
How long does it take to cook the penne pasta?
Cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
How do I prepare the asparagus for grilling?
Prepare the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends.
How long should the asparagus be grilled?
Grill the asparagus spears for about 5 minutes until they are crisp-tender and lightly charred.
How should the grilled asparagus be cut?
After grilling, remove the asparagus and cut it into 2-inch pieces.
What kind of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 boneless chicken breasts.
How is the red pepper prepared?
The sweet red pepper should be cut into thin strips.
What type of tomatoes are added to the pasta?
Use 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and cut into small pieces.
How is the chicken prepared after grilling?
The grilled chicken should be sliced before being added to the pasta.
How do I combine the ingredients?
In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne, sliced chicken, grilled asparagus, red pepper strips, and sun-dried tomatoes, then fold in the pesto.
What is the serving suggestion?
Serve immediately and garnish with additional grated parmesan if desired.
What is the flavor profile of the asparagus?
The grilled asparagus contributes a smoky flavor to the dish.
How much parsley is needed?
You will need 1 cup of packed fresh parsley.
How much olive oil is required for the pesto?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of olive oil.
How much parmesan cheese is used in the pesto?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of minced garlic.
How many pine nuts are used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts.
What quantity of asparagus is required?
You will need 1 lb of asparagus.
How much penne pasta should be cooked?
The recipe specifies 3 cups of penne pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
What makes the pesto creamy?
The combination of olive oil, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts blended in a food processor creates a creamy texture.
Does the recipe use seasoning?
Yes, the chicken breasts are seasoned with salt and pepper before grilling.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.