Pesto Green Pasta with Crispy Grilled Chicken
A vibrant green pasta tossed in creamy basil pesto and served with juicy, crispy grilled chicken. The pasta is silky, herby, and full of Mediterranean flavor, while the chicken adds perfect crunch and protein.
⏱ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Crispy Grilled Chicken
2 chicken breasts (thinly sliced or pounded thin)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice
Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch (makes crust extra crispy)
For the Pesto Green Pasta
200g pasta (linguine, penne, or spaghetti)
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1 handful spinach (makes the sauce greener)
2 tbsp pine nuts or walnuts
2 small garlic cloves
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup Parmesan, grated
1–2 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper
2–3 tbsp pasta water to thin the sauce
Optional Add-ins
Cherry tomatoes
Extra shaved Parmesan
A handful of arugula or spinach
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
1. In a bowl, combine chicken with:
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Lemon juice
- Salt & pepper
- (Optional) Cornstarch for crispiness
2. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Grill the Chicken Until Crispy
1. Heat a grill pan or skillet on medium-high.
2. Grill chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden, crispy, and fully cooked.
3. Slice into strips and set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta
1. Bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta until al dente.
3. Reserve 2–3 tbsp pasta water, then drain.
4. Make the Green Pesto Sauce
Blend together:
- Basil
- Spinach
- Nuts
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Parmesan
- Lemon juice
- Salt & pepper
Blend until smooth and bright green.
5. Toss Pasta with Pesto
1. Add cooked pasta to a bowl or pan.
2. Toss with pesto and splash pasta water until glossy and coating the noodles.
3. Taste and adjust lemon or salt.
6. Serve
Plate the pesto pasta
Top with crispy grilled chicken
Add cherry tomatoes (optional)
Sprinkle extra Parmesan
Drizzle a little olive oil.
Notes
Adding spinach keeps pesto bright green without changing taste.
Cornstarch on chicken gives a golden crust.
Pulse pasta also works for a high-protein version.
Tips
Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
If pesto is thick, add more pasta water or olive oil.
Use grilled shrimp instead of chicken for variation.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Is this spicy?
No — completely mild and Mediterranean-style.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes! Add a splash of lemon for freshness.
Can I meal prep it?
Yes. Keep the chicken separate until serving.