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Pesto Pasta with Chicken, Asparagus, and Peas

If you're looking for a fresh, easy and delicious family dinner, try this pesto pasta with chicken, asparagus and peas.

Penne pasta with homemade pesto, asparagus and peas

A few days ago, I posted my recipe for vegan basil pesto. Pesto can be eaten in a million different ways, but one of my favorite ways to use it is in this recipe for Pesto Pasta with Chicken, Asparagus and Peas.

This meal is simple enough to make on a weeknight (especially if you make the pesto a day or so ahead of time), but it tastes and looks like a lot of work. It's like spring in a bowl.

One thing I love about this dish is how versatile it is. You can modify it in many different ways depending on your tastes and what you have available in your fridge or freezer.

Swap in some haricot verts or snap peas for the asparagus if you're not an asparagus fan. And you can use any type of pasta your heart desires.

I like using penne with pesto because the little ridges help grab onto the sauce, but any type of pasta noodle will do.

Related recipe: One-Pan Salmon and Orzo Pasta

What kind of chicken to use

This recipe has instructions for cooking chicken breast for this pasta, but if you want to save time, you can use cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken, or homemade roasted chicken is great here! Try my juicy and crispy dry brined roast chicken recipe.

chicken-pesto-pasta-feature

Finally, you can choose to omit the grilled chicken if you want to make it a vegetarian or vegan dish, OR you can substitute salmon, rotisserie chicken, or shrimp. The possibilities and combinations are endless!

Serve this pasta with: Garlic Roasted Broccoli

While I obviously recommend using my homemade pesto recipe in this dish, you can easily swap in store bought pesto if you're in a hurry, or any other pesto recipe you already know and love.

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Related recipe: Ground Chicken and Spinach Lasagna

And to make this pasta dinner more versatile still, you can choose to serve it hot out of the pan, or let it cool to room temperature.

When I'm entertaining, I love serving foods that taste just as good at room temperature as they do piping hot because it eliminates all of the last-minute running around.

Just plop the bowl of pasta in the center of the table, take a deep breath of accomplishment, and let people eat whenever they're ready.

It also makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.

Related recipe: Cheesy Baked Rotini

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I will say that the one bonus to serving this dish hot is that you can shave some fresh parmesan over the top and watch as it slowly melts into the warm pesto and pasta. Since I don't cook with cheese due to the allergies in our house, it's my favorite way to get my cheese fix at dinnertime.

Pesto Pasta with Chicken, Asparagus, and Peas

This pesto pasta with chicken, asparagus and peas is like spring in a bowl. Make it with homemade pesto or store bought.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 604kcal
Author: Kate

Ingredients

  • 1 lb penne pasta or pasta of your choice
  • 1 bunch asparagus sliced thin on the diagonal
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup prepared pesto
  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • parmesan cheese for serving; optional

Instructions

  • On a grill (preferred), grill pan or skillet, cook chicken breasts until done. Set aside to cool; slice in thin strips.
  • In a large pasta pot, boil water, salting generously. When water boils, add pasta, setting a timer for the pasta cooking time (according to box instructions).
  • During the last two minutes of the cooking time, add the asparagus and frozen peas. When pasta is al dente and peas/asparagus are tender, drain into a strainer. Add to a large bowl and toss with pesto and chicken.
  • If desired, top with freshly shaved parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 604kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 525mg | Potassium: 798mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1620IU | Vitamin C: 15.3mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 3.6mg
Recipe Rating




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Glenda

Sunday 2nd of October 2016

What do think of substituting quinoa for the pasta?

Alyssa

Monday 3rd of October 2016

I think that's a great idea! :)

Megan

Sunday 10th of April 2016

I was always intimidated to make my own pesto, but it actually isn't that bad, and so worth the fresh taste. This recipe looks delicious, thank you for sharing at Merry Monday!

Cynthia Rusincovitch

Friday 8th of April 2016

My husband is obsessed with pesto! This would be the perfect recipe for him right now! Passing along! Thanks for linking up with Delicious Dishes Recipe Party!

Alyssa

Saturday 9th of April 2016

Thanks, Cynthia. I hope he loves it!

Ashleigh

Wednesday 6th of April 2016

This looks so yummy!! I've actually never had pesto and am dying to try it! I'll have to make this recipe soon:)

I'd love it if you shared this with everyone on my weekly link party:) http://www.twentysomethinginthe2010s.com/peace-love-link-up-001/

Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table

Friday 1st of April 2016

I could pretty much eat pesto every day with every meal and be a happy camper! It makes everything taste better! And I especially love it with some pasta - particularly penne, because it does stick so well like you said! Also, asparagus and peas are one of my favorite veggie combinations so this sounds so delicious! Can't wait to try it hot for dinner and eat the cold leftovers for lunch. :)

Alyssa

Saturday 2nd of April 2016

Thanks so much, Kathryn! I hope you love it!

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