Protein Pesto Pasta With Chicken & Asparagus

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 30 mins

Ratings 5 from 2 votes

Cuisine: American, Italian

Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cooking Temp: 425 F

Servings: 10

Calories: 367 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary: Gluten Free, Soy Free

Ingredients

14.5 oz protein pasta (penne style)
2 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1 lb asparagus (fresh, woody ends cut off)
1 cup pesto (Try my homemade pesto recipe!)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp lemon pepper
salt & pepper (to taste)
¼ cup lemon juice (fresh)
¼ cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
2 tbsp pine nuts (toasted)

Instructions

1
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a small baking sheet with foil, and place your asparagus on it. Drizzle with a little olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.
2
Season the Chicken: While your water is heating up, season your chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic salt, lemon pepper, and onion powder. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil over the chicken to ensure it stays moist during grilling.
3
Cook the Chicken, Pasta, and Asparagus: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Place the chicken on the grill or skillet. At the same time, add your pasta to the boiling water, and put the asparagus in the oven. Set a timer for 12 minutes. In this time, your chicken should cook through, your pasta should reach al dente, and your asparagus will be tender and slightly crisped.
4
Combine Pasta and Pesto: Once everything is cooked, drain the pasta and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the pesto, Parmesan, and fresh lemon juice. Toss until the pasta is fully coated and the flavors are evenly distributed.
5
Add Protein and Veggies: Chop the grilled chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the pasta. Add the roasted asparagus and the toasted pine nuts. Toss everything together, making sure each bite is packed with protein and flavor.
6
Serve & Enjoy: Serve your protein pesto pasta with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a burst of freshness. Enjoy immediately, or store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 10

Amount Per Serving
Calories 367kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 2.1g11%
Cholesterol 65mg22%
Sodium 500mg21%
Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 3g
Protein 30g60%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.