Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta

Grilled chicken pesto pasta is my favorite dish when I want something hearty and comforting and I still want it to feel fresh and full of bright, vibrant flavors. One evening after a long day, I craved a plate of pasta that wasn’t too heavy and I decided to combine juicy grilled chicken with homemade pesto and sweet cherry tomatoes and that first bite totally won me over and now this pasta is a regular star at my dinner table when I want to impress friends or treat myself to something extra delicious.

I love how the smoky, tender chicken pairs perfectly with the garlicky, herby pesto and the burst of juicy tomatoes adds that pop of sweetness that makes each forkful exciting and every time I make it, I feel like I’m eating at a cozy Italian café and it comes together so quickly that I can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen and it always makes me smile when I see the empty plates at the end.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I like to use for this pasta. You can always tweak to your liking!
• Chicken breasts – Bring protein and a juicy, smoky flavor when grilled.
• Pesto sauce – The herby, garlicky heart of the dish that ties everything together.
• Spaghetti or your favorite pasta – The hearty base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
• Cherry tomatoes – Add a sweet, juicy burst in every bite.
• Olive oil – Keeps everything rich and helps with grilling.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty finish on top.
• Fresh basil – Brings brightness and a final fragrant touch.
• Salt – Enhances and balances all the flavors.
• Black pepper – Adds a subtle heat and depth.

Tools You’ll Need

• Grill pan or outdoor grill – For getting that perfect char on the chicken.
• Pot – To boil the pasta to al dente perfection.
• Mixing bowl – To toss the pasta with the pesto evenly.
• Tongs – To handle the chicken easily on the grill.
• Sharp knife – For slicing the chicken and tomatoes.
• Cutting board – A safe space for prepping your ingredients.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, making sure they’re evenly coated.

Step 2

I preheat my grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side until it’s beautifully charred and cooked through.

Step 3

While the chicken cooks, I boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and save a little bit of the pasta water.

Step 4

In a large bowl, I toss the hot pasta with the pesto, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help coat the noodles evenly.

Step 5

I add the halved cherry tomatoes and mix gently so they stay juicy and whole.

Step 6

I slice the grilled chicken and place it on top of the pasta, finishing with freshly grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves.

Tips

If you want even more flavor, I sometimes marinate the chicken with lemon juice and garlic before grilling. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. And for an extra creamy touch, a spoonful of ricotta mixed into the pesto pasta is absolutely delicious!

Ways to Serve

I love serving this grilled chicken pesto pasta with a crisp side salad and some warm crusty bread. It also makes a wonderful meal prep option — just pack the pasta and chicken together for an easy lunch. Sometimes I even top it with a few toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make grilled chicken pesto pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pasta and chicken ahead and reheat gently before serving.

What type of pesto works best for grilled chicken pesto pasta?

Classic basil pesto is perfect, but sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto also taste amazing.

Can I use other proteins in grilled chicken pesto pasta?

Absolutely! Shrimp, salmon, or even tofu work beautifully in this dish.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this grilled chicken pesto pasta a try and enjoy it as much as I do! It’s such a satisfying, fresh, and comforting meal that’s sure to impress anyone at your table. Let me know if you make it — I’d love to see your photos and hear your thoughts! And don’t forget to save this recipe for your next cozy dinner or special gathering.

Happy Cooking!

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