18 min
Prep Time
2 hr 17 min
Cook Time
Easy
Level
12
Servings

This healthy chicken pesto pasta recipe is easy to make, thanks to convenience ingredients like rotisserie chicken and store-bought pesto. The addition of fresh asparagus brightens up the look and flavors of this easy one-pot dinner. Fresh basil, if you have it on hand, is a nice finishing touch.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole-wheat penne

  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast

  • 1 (7 ounce) container refrigerated basil pesto

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup)

  • Small fresh basil leaves for garnish

Method

  1. Cook pasta in a large pot according to package directions. Add asparagus to the pot during the final 2 minutes of cooking time. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.

  2. Return the pasta mixture to the pot; stir in chicken, pesto, salt and pepper. Stir in the reserved cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish; sprinkle with Parmesan and garnish with basil, if desired. Serve immediately.