Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto

Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto. This dish is the perfect balance of hearty and fresh—it’s got tender penne pasta, juicy chicken, and sautéed veggies all tossed in a vibrant, garlicky, nutty pesto that’s just a little unexpected (no basil or pine nuts here!). The parsley-walnut combo is bold, earthy, and absolutely loaded with flavor.

It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for guests but is totally doable on a Tuesday night when you just want something comforting, green, and full of good stuff. Bonus? It comes together in under an hour and makes the best leftovers ever. Trust me—you’re gonna want a fork in this fast.

Why You’ll Love Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto

There’s so much to love about this colorful, comforting, and crazy-flavorful pasta dish:

Fresh and Flavorful: The parsley-walnut pesto brings a bright, herby punch that wakes up the whole dish.
Hearty Yet Light: With chicken and veggies, it’s filling without being heavy.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge.
Customizable: Use your favorite veggies or switch up the protein—this recipe plays well with others.
Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully and stays flavorful for days.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto

Let’s break down what makes this dish both comforting and fresh:

For the Pasta and Chicken:

• Penne Pasta: Perfect for catching every bit of that herby pesto.
• Cooked Chicken (grilled, roasted, or shredded): Adds satisfying protein—leftovers or rotisserie chicken work great here.
• Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Lightly sautéed for a soft, slightly sweet bite.
• Red Bell Pepper: Brings sweetness and a little crunch to the mix.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursty and bright, they add a pop of juicy flavor.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding richness.

For the Parsley-Walnut Pesto:

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, peppery, and super fresh—this is the star of the sauce.
• Walnuts: Earthy and slightly bitter, they balance the parsley beautifully.
• Garlic: Brings that bold, aromatic flavor we all love in pesto.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps everything blend together into a silky, spoonable pesto.
• Lemon Juice: Just a squeeze for brightness and a touch of acidity.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course.

Instructions

Let’s make pasta magic happen—this dish comes together in just a few easy steps.

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by setting a large pot of salted water on the stove and bring it to a boil for the pasta.

Cook the Pasta

Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water for later.

Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini and bell pepper, cooking until just tender. Toss in the cherry tomatoes last and cook until they begin to soften and burst. Remove from heat.

Make the Pesto

In a food processor or blender, combine parsley, walnuts, garlic, parmesan, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until everything is finely chopped. With the motor running, stream in olive oil until the pesto is smooth but still has a little texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl or skillet, toss the cooked pasta, chicken, and sautéed veggies with the pesto. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the mixture feels too dry—it helps coat everything evenly.

Finishing Touches

Top with a little extra parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, or even some red pepper flakes for a kick. Add fresh parsley for a final hit of green goodness.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm, and get ready for compliments. This one’s comforting, colorful, and bursting with fresh flavor in every bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto

This pasta dish can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion:

Family Dinner: Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Impress Guests: Plate it with a drizzle of olive oil and a parmesan crisp for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Lunch Leftovers: Tastes great cold or reheated—try it with a splash of extra lemon juice to freshen it up.

Additional Tips

Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken or replace it with white beans or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based version.
Switch the Greens: Basil, spinach, or arugula can sub in for parsley if you want to switch it up.
Try Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: This dish adapts easily to dietary needs.
Use What You’ve Got: Peas, broccoli, or mushrooms would all be delicious veggie swaps.
Make Extra Pesto: It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week and tastes amazing on toast, grilled meats, or roasted veggies.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making my own?
A1: Sure! Store-bought pesto is a great shortcut—just note that it may be basil-based and slightly different in flavor.

Q2: How long does the parsley-walnut pesto last?
A2: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q3: What kind of chicken works best?
A3: Grilled or roasted chicken breast or thighs are perfect, but rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: Absolutely! Just store the pesto separately and toss everything together when ready to serve for the freshest flavor.

Q5: Is this dish kid-friendly?
A5: Yes! The flavors are mild and creamy—just adjust the garlic or lemon to your family’s tastes.

Conclusion

This Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto is comfort food with a fresh, herby twist. It’s quick to make, packed with feel-good ingredients, and totally customizable for whatever’s hanging out in your fridge. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for one, this dish is sure to become a repeat favorite. One bite, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about!

Print