Natalie's Health logo

menu icon
search icon
×

Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta

Published: · Updated: by · 61 Comments

Simple yet delicious Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta is easy to make and packed with flavor. Soft chicken with penne whole wheat pasta wrapped in a creamy basil pesto sauce made with avocado will delight your palate. Is tasty, filling, and quick to throw together. The perfect HEALTHY weeknight meal that your family will love. 

Don't get me wrong.... I don't mind chocolate  or the double chocolate desserts at all, BUT it's time for me to pull a break and take the pause from sweets. My husband told me the other day I have to share some "non-dessert", a savory recipe next, or people will think we eat only muffins and cakes .  Hehe he's right. And so here it is... one simple yet so delicious pasta - my family's favorite Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta. This Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta is so flavorful and tasty that it would be so wrong not to share this recipe with you. 

Easy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta is the perfect HEALTHY weeknight meal for busy days. Packed with flavors and ready under 20 minutes! CLICK to read the recipe or PIN for later. [natalieshealth.com] #recipe #healthy #easy #family #chicken #low-fat #pasta #pesto

I don't know about you, but I LOVEEEE pasta! Pasta is the one food, in addition to chocolate, which I just can't and won't give up no matter what diet I follow. When I switched to healthy eating, many people wondered how it is possible to eat pasta and call my diet healthy. People literally stared at me when I intercede that pasta IS an healthy food. People consider pasta like ultimative evil food, bad for your waist. Well... that's sooo wrong! Pasta made from whole grains is by no means bad food and should not be excluded from the diet. 

And this recipe is a GOOD example how pasta CAN be healthy, wholesome meal without excess calories. 

Easy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta is the perfect HEALTHY weeknight meal for busy days. Packed with flavors and ready under 20 minutes! CLICK to read the recipe or PIN for later. [natalieshealth.com] #recipe #healthy #easy #family #chicken #low-fat #pasta #pesto

Easy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta is the perfect HEALTHY weeknight meal for busy days. Packed with flavors and ready under 20 minutes! CLICK to read the recipe or PIN for later. [natalieshealth.com] #recipe #healthy #easy #family #chicken #low-fat #pasta #pesto

To make this Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta I used chicken white meat - chicken breasts without skin, healthy fats - avocados and olive oil, and whole wheat penne pasta. I also added some veggies - green beans to add up some more healthy fibers and nutrients. You can easily switch green beans for any seasonal veggie. Broccoli in this pasta is a blast - a must try!  

As I said, this Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta is one of my family's favorite meals. We all LOVE it! Actually, you can never go wrong with pesto pasta if you have kids. I prepare this pasta whenever I catch fresh basil in the store. Well I've tried to grow basil on my kitchen window but without luck. I failed miserably few times and given up completely. Basil is so delicate plant, it seems too delicate for me.   Too bad, though because I love basil!  

Easy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta is the perfect HEALTHY weeknight meal for busy days. Packed with flavors and ready under 20 minutes! CLICK to read the recipe or PIN for later. [natalieshealth.com] #recipe #healthy #easy #family #chicken #low-fat #pasta #pesto

Homemade Basil Pesto

I always make my own, homemade pesto from fresh healthy ingredients. I don't like store bought things... I don't trust E-stuff and colorings, palm oils etc... And why buy things you can prepare in no time at your home. Right?! 

To make beautiful, fragrant homemade basil pesto you'll only need few simple ingredients - fresh basil, a handful of walnuts, olive oil or avocado, salt, fresh lemon juice, and a food processor. Pesto made from olive oil is very flavorful and more intense, with dense texture. It is an excellent addition to pasta and salads and can be easily stored in refrigerator for weeks. Pesto made from avocado has creamier texture and it's ideal for pasta and as a spread. The one problem with avocado basil pesto is that the avocado quickly turns black and pesto made from avocado will quickly change the color no matter how good lid you had. My husband has solution for that problem. Just eat it quickly, says he ... as if that is some kinda problem for me. 

Easy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta is the perfect HEALTHY weeknight meal for busy days. Packed with flavors and ready under 20 minutes! CLICK to read the recipe or PIN for later. [natalieshealth.com] #recipe #healthy #easy #family #chicken #low-fat #pasta #pesto

Basil pesto can be made in advance and kept refrigerated up to two weeks (well the one made with olive oil). I it holds on for so long.  I always make about one jar and use throughout the week with my pasta, as addition to salads and as spread for sandwiches. It is so SOO good, I could literally eat it with the spoon. Some put garlic in basil pesto. I don't because I want to emphasize basil aroma in this beautiful creamy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta. But you can totally add garlic if you like it. 

Oh yes, another great thing about this pasta... it can be made in less than 20 minutes!!!! Whoaaa right?!  It's PERFECT for busy families! 

Now I'll leave you with cooking... Hope you'll enjoy this pasta! 

Easy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta is the perfect HEALTHY weeknight meal for busy days. Packed with flavors and ready under 20 minutes! CLICK to read the recipe or PIN for later. [natalieshealth.com] #recipe #healthy #easy #family #chicken #low-fat #pasta #pesto

Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta

By Natalie
Soft chicken with penne whole wheat pasta wrapped in a creamy basil pesto sauce made with avocado will delight your palate. Is tasty, filling, and quick to throw together. The perfect HEALTHY weeknight meal that your family will love. 
4.8 from 20 votes
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 2 people
Calories 518 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz chicken breast skinless, boneless (230g)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Himalayan salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup green beans
  • 1 ½ cups whole wheat penne pasta
  • Parmesan cheese Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano, freshly grated

For Basil Pesto

  • 2 cups fresh basil
  • 4 tablespoons walnuts
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano, freshly grated
  • ½ avocado OR ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Himalayan salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • In the larger deeper pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken cut into smaller pieces. Fry the chicken for 8-10 minutes until golden on all sides. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pan from heat.
  • In the meantime, boil the green beans for 10 minutes and drain. Cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions on the package in salted water. Drain the pasta but save the pasta water.
  • Add boiled beans and cooked pasta in the pan with chicken. Add 3 tablespoons of basil pesto and mix well. Add 1-2 tablespoons water in which the pasta was cooked if pasta is too dry.
  • Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

For Basil Pesto

  • In food processor add fresh basil and walnuts and mince.
  • Add grated cheese (and garlic if you use it), and continue to mix. Using rubber spatula scrape the mixture from the walls of the bowl. 
  • Add avocado and mix until you get a nice smooth mixture. Add a little olive oil if the mixture is too thick. OR instead of avocado, add olive oil and mix until you get a nice smooth pesto mixture.
  • Put the pesto in a jar and close with the lid. Keep refrigerated up to 2 weeks.

Notes

I used US cup (240ml) as a measure.

Nutrition

Calories: 518kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 448mg | Potassium: 335mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1600IU | Vitamin C: 30.5mg | Calcium: 190mg | Iron: 3.1mg
Tried this recipe?Pease take a moment and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you!
DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but I have endeavored to be as accurate as possible.
 
Xoxo, 

NH-signature

Love what you see? Subscribe to Natalie's Food & Health so you’ll never miss a recipe! Follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook for more fun!

 ∗ PIN this for later! ∗

Easy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta is the perfect HEALTHY weeknight meal for busy days. Packed with flavors and ready under 20 minutes! CLICK to read the recipe or PIN for later. [natalieshealth.com] #recipe #healthy #easy #family #chicken #low-fat #pasta #pesto

«
»

About Natalie

Natalie Knezic is a qualified nutrition coach, weight loss specialist, and creator of Natalie's health blog. She's passionate about helping others live healthier more fulfilled lives through a healthy diet and active lifestyle. She actively coaches, creates recipes and writes about a healthy lifestyle. Her articles have been featured on many popular websites, like Shape, Men’s Fitness, Greatist, Pure Wow, Mashed, The Huffington Post, ELLE Magazine, and many more.

Want to feel happier and healthier?

Well, of course, you do! ... Subscribe here and I'll pop in your inbox with NEW recipes and tips.


And don’t worry, I won't spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Please read my Privacy Policy and learn how I handle the information you send me.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you make a purchase, I’ll make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please know that I only link products that I recommend. Thank you for supporting Natalie’s Health!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Leslie says

    I love that you put green beans in this recipe! It looks absolutely delicious!

    Reply

  2. Jenni LeBaron says

    5 stars
    The pesto on this sounds marvelous. I love that you use walnuts in this because they are such a healthy choice and the avocado makes everything really creamy!

    Reply

  3. mira says

    I do need a break from sweets! This pasta looks so delicious! Love the combination. Can't wait to make it!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks Mira! Hehe seems like we all need a little break from sugary stuff :D

  4. Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction says

    5 stars
    Chicken and pasta is one of my favourite combos, this looks absolutely delicious! :)

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks Marsha :)

  5. Daniela Anderson says

    5 stars
    I always have pasta in the kitchen, we all love it, and great to make when there's no much time for anything else. My husband loves pesto, and l love chicken, so this recipe will make us both happy.

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Same here :) Pasta is must in my pantry. Glad you like the recipe. Hope you'll both love it. Thanks!

  6. Molly Kumar says

    This looks so delicious and pesto pasta is one of my favorite pasta dish. I love that you made the pasta at home as this would make the dish even more flavorful.

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks Molly! :)

  7. Megan Marlowe says

    I've been on such a dessert kick lately, I don't know what is wrong with me. And Easter is coming and that's just more chocolate. I like the way you think of pasta though. I love making my own pasta and tossing it with chicken and pasta is just the way I like to enjoy it!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      YES! Easter is just around the corner. I'm SO on pre-Easter no desserts diet :D hahha

  8. Christine McMichael says

    I'm craving this right now! Chicken pasta is so perfect for the cold, rainy weather we're having here. Love the basil pesto addition!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Awww sorry to hear about the weather. Hope this pasta helps :) Sending you some warm Mediterranean sun ;)

  9. swathi says

    5 stars
    Can you call for your lunch of dinner after making this pasta. Looks really delicious. I like pesto in my pasta as it is really versatile.

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      I could ask you the same question.. your dishes are AMAZING! :) Stop by anytime you like Swathi ;)

  10. Byron Thomas says

    Oh my - that looks so inviting! I could totally make this and just leave out the chicken for my vegetarians, but I really wouldn't want to do that. LOL. I'm always looking for easy weeknight dinners, and this is going on that list. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      The chicken is so soft in this one, you don't want to leave it out hehehe

  11. Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

    5 stars
    This looks delicious! It is going on my to make list this week!

    Reply

  12. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says

    5 stars
    Chicken and pasta pair so well together. Love the ease of this dish. The flavour combination sounds amazing. Perfect for any night of the week.

    Reply

  13. Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says

    5 stars
    This looks amazing-- and I'm loving the avocado twist. I have been posting more and more recipes lately -- I used to always want to do more meal type recipes, but my desserts and treats are always so much more popular!

    Reply

  14. jill conyers says

    My daughter would absolutely love this dish.

    Reply

  15. Kylee from Kylee Cooks says

    5 stars
    What a lovely, and sneakily healthy, dinner!I love the addition of avocado, and the use of whole wheat pasta!

    Reply

  16. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

    5 stars
    Your pasta dish looks delicious. And pasta does get a bad rap. First of all, most of the problem in our society is too big of portions. You don't have to have a plate full of pasta that it is sliding of a large plate. And having homemade ingredients like your pesto gives the dish such a deeper flavor. We love our pesto -- it's so versatile. I'd be happy to come over next time you make this pasta. :-)

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks so much ;) I couldn't agree with you more Marisa. Too big portions ARE the problem. I had that problem too. Luckily I've learned to eat balanced and I cut down my potions which lead me to lose more than 100 pounds. But no diet can stop me from eating my pasta hehehe

  17. Platter Talk says

    5 stars
    This salad is going to be made a lot in my house. Love the twists and health!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks! :)

  18. Hanady @ Recipe Nomad says

    Oh this looks so healthy and delicious! Especially using avocados! Fabulous!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thank you Hanady! :)

  19. Meg | Meg is Well says

    5 stars
    I know what you mean so much! I get on a dessert creation kick and then look at my posts and realize I need to change it up before people start thinking I'm a dessert blog! I could never give up pasta either and I've always made olive oil pesto sauces, never avocado. I didn't know that avocado would coat the pasta better, so I can't wait to try it and eat it fast before it browns!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Glad we are on same page Meg ;) Yup, avo is amazing in pesto, gives creaminess. Only downside is that he browns quickly. But that's no prob at all... you'll see ;)

  20. Emily | EmPowered Nutrition says

    5 stars
    This meal is right up my alley! I love pesto on anything, especially pasta & chicken!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Glad you like it Emily :)

  21. Anya says

    5 stars
    Homemade pesto is truly out of this world - no storebought jarred stuff can ever compare. Do you think this recipe will hold up well with gluten-free penne?

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Yes Anya... homemade is always the best option. People think it takes much time and effort but it really doesn't. You can sub gluten-free penne in this recipe :)

  22. abbey sharp says

    This looks amazing!!! So good, need to try

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks Abbey!

  23. Heather @Boston Girl Bakes says

    5 stars
    Oh man I am with you I love my desserts too! But I gotta have my balance (although my blog doesn't reflect that hehe) and pesto and pasta seems the perfect way to do that! Looks great!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Hehe thanks Heather :)

  24. [email protected] says

    Natalie this sounds delicious. I haven't made a lot of homemade pesto but I like the idea of using Avocado. And don't feel bad I've killed many of basil plants as well..haha..but I keep trying since I love fresh basil as well. Oh well, I guess we should just keep trying :)

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks friend ;) Haha yes... I love fresh basil sooo much but is't so sensitive, so fragile. I think he likes more garden and outdoor rather than kitchen window :)

  25. Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says

    Pesto is the best! I love your option for using avocado. Yum!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks Amy! :)

  26. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    OOh I have not made pesto sauce in a long time! This looks delicious

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks Deborah! Than it's perfect time to make a pesto ;)

  27. acktive life says

    YUM! I love pesto and how easy it is put together and versatile it is. This recipe looks delicious. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks a lot! :) Yes, it's super SUPER easy! Have a lovely weekend too ;)

  28. Veena Azmanov says

    5 stars
    Oh this looks so yum... We love pesto in our home, almost every week I make some for sandwich spread and dips, Sometimes on busy days (or when i'm lazy) I just boil some spaghetti and toss in the pesto - Yum!! Love that you added beans.

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks Veena! Same here... pasta + pesto + some veggies = enough for me :)

  29. Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says

    5 stars
    I love the use of avocado instead of olive oil!!!
    I can just imagine how creamy it makes this dish.
    Will be trying this soon!! YUM!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Yes, avocado really gives special creaminess to pesto. It's just too bad it can't stay fresh longer... you have to eat it in a day... like that's a problem right hehe right?!

  30. Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert says

    This looks absolutely perfect for a weeknight meal! Anytime really, and love the addition of avocado. This sounds and looks delicious!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks Tricia! :)

  31. Lisa | Garlic & Zest says

    I'm with you, Natalie -- love pasta! Pesto and chicken rank up there too! This looks like a simple, healthy dinner for any night of the week!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks Lisa! :)

  32. Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says

    5 stars
    This is definitely my kind of healthy! I just love the brightness of basil, and the addition of chicken breast and green beans really makes this a satisfying meal.

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks Heather! It's perfectly balanced. Glad you like it ;)

  33. Sarah says

    Bright, fresh and flavorful...what a perfect dish for spring! Especially since it has some of my absolute FAVORITE ingredients!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks Sarah! Yup, this dish definitely puts a bit of spring on a plate ;)

  34. Blair says

    Pesto pasta is my kids' most-requested dinner. They have always loved it!

    Your healthy version (especially love the avocado) sounds delicious!

    Reply

    • Natalie says

      Thanks Blair! You can't go wrong with pesto pasta hehehe ;)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating