Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 4)

Grilled chicken:

1½ lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper

Pesto pasta base:

12 oz spaghetti or penne (or chickpea/gluten-free pasta for high-protein/GF)
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed & cut into 2” pieces
⅓ cup store-bought or homemade basil pesto (you love creamy herb flavors!)
2 tbsp reserved pasta water
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium options!)
Zest of 1 lemon (brightens richness—you love citrus!)

Garnish:

Extra pesto drizzle
Toasted pine nuts or hemp seeds (you love high-protein!)
Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Grill chicken:

Toss chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill over medium-high heat 6–7 minutes per side until 165°F. Rest 5 minutes; slice thinly.

2. Cook pasta & asparagus:

Cook pasta according to package; add asparagus during last 3 minutes of cooking.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

3. Toss & finish:

In a large bowl, combine hot pasta-asparagus mix, pesto, 2 tbsp pasta water, Parmesan, and lemon zest. Toss until glossy.
Top with sliced chicken and garnishes.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Add asparagus late—keeps it crisp-tender, not mushy.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use reduced-sodium Parmesan + no-salt-added pesto
→ Boost umami with extra lemon zest and garlic
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Use chickpea or lentil pasta (+25g protein/serving!)
→ Add 1 tbsp chia seeds at the end for fiber + glycemic control
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Swap pasta for 16 oz hearts of palm pasta or spiralized zucchini
→ Sauté asparagus separately; toss with pesto and chicken
→ Net carbs drop from 42g → 10g/serving
✅ Make ahead: Best served fresh, but keeps 2 days refrigerated (reheat gently with splash of broth).

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: 2 days | Freezer: Not recommended (pasta softens)
→ Serving ideas:
→ With grilled shrimp for surf-and-turf twist
→ As a standalone light summer dinner
→ Topped with fried egg for extra protein

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):