If you’re searching for a vibrant, wholesome meal that thrills your taste buds and brightens your dinner table, this Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a luxuriously nutty pesto, each bite carries layers of flavor and textures that feel both comforting and exciting. It’s a dish that blends simple ingredients into a memorable Italian-American masterpiece, perfect for family meals or impressing friends on any occasion.

Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating a balanced and tasty dish. From the peppery parsley in the pesto to the fresh crunch of vibrant vegetables, you’ll find they come together effortlessly.

12 oz penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto that luscious pesto and tender chicken.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps sauté the components beautifully.
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips): Provides lean protein and soaks up the flavors wonderfully.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, warming spice to the dish.
1 zucchini (sliced): Brings a fresh crunch and keeps things light and healthy.
1 red bell pepper (sliced): Offers sweetness and striking color for visual and taste appeal.
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Bursting with juiciness and a slight tang to brighten every bite.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Provides a salty, savory hit that ties everything together.
Fresh basil for garnish: Adds an aromatic finish and vibrant green pop.
For the Parsley-Walnut Pesto:
1 cup fresh parsley leaves: The star herb bringing fresh, earthy notes to the pesto.
1/2 cup walnuts: Adds a rich, buttery crunch that makes this pesto stand out.
1/3 cup olive oil: Creates that silky texture and binds the pesto perfectly.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the pesto for that classic Italian creaminess.
1 garlic clove: Packs a subtle punch of warmth and depth.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens and balances the flavors beautifully.
Salt and pepper to taste: To perfect the seasoning just right.

How to Make Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This ensures your pasta has the perfect bite and texture. Drain it thoroughly and set aside, so it’s ready to mingle with the fresh ingredients you’ll prepare next.

Step 2: Prepare the Parsley-Walnut Pesto

While the pasta is cooking, combine fresh parsley leaves, walnuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor. Pulse everything until you achieve a smooth, vibrant green pesto that smells fresh and slightly nutty. This pesto is the heart of the recipe, delivering that unforgettable flavor punch.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then season the chicken strips with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through. This step locks in the juices and gives the chicken a nice sear, which elevates the whole dish.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, toss in the sliced zucchini and red bell peppers. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they start to soften but still maintain a bit of crunch. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting them just begin to release their juices, which adds a lovely freshness and brightness to the dish.

Step 5: Combine and Toss Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained penne pasta. Pour the freshly made parsley-walnut pesto over the top and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. The goal is for the pesto to coat every delicious piece evenly, marrying the flavors and warming everything through without overcooking.

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

Garnishes

Finishing your plate with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese takes this dish up a notch in both aroma and flavor. The green basil adds a sweet, slightly peppery note, while Parmesan brings a touch of umami that lingers perfectly. These garnishes not only create visual appeal but also amplify the dish’s overall taste experience.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp garden salad or simple garlic bread to round out your meal without overpowering the main event. A light, refreshing salad with lemon vinaigrette contrasts nicely with the rich pesto, while garlic bread offers that classic Italian comfort and crunchy texture. Either way, the sides help to create a perfectly balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto Recipe in individual bowls with a drizzle of extra pesto on top and whole walnut halves scattered for added crunch. You can also try roasting some vegetables instead of sautéing for a deeper flavor or swap chicken with grilled shrimp for a seafood twist. Presentation is an opportunity to elevate this dish from everyday to memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the pesto separate if possible to preserve its fresh, vibrant flavor, adding it just before reheating. This way you can enjoy the same great taste for lunch or dinner the next day without compromise.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this recipe, especially because fresh pesto and sautéed vegetables can lose their texture and freshness. However, if you must freeze leftovers, separate the cooked pasta and chicken mixture from the pesto. Freeze the pasta and chicken in a suitable container for up to two months, then thaw overnight before reheating. Store pesto fresh in the fridge instead.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a small amount of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it may cause the pesto to break and the chicken to dry out. After warming, stir in freshly made pesto for the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use basil instead of parsley in the pesto?

Absolutely! Basil works wonderfully as a substitute and will create a more traditional Italian pesto flavor. You can even mix basil and parsley for a unique twist that’s equally delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can easily be made gluten-free by swapping regular penne pasta for a gluten-free alternative. Just make sure to cook according to the package instructions for the best texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts to keep it hearty and satisfying while still bursting with flavor.

How long does homemade pesto last in the fridge?

Homemade parsley-walnut pesto will last up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep it fresh longer, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing the container.

What is the best way to slice the chicken for this recipe?

Slice chicken breasts into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking. This thickness allows the chicken to brown nicely while staying juicy inside, perfect for this penne dish.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s approachable yet impressive, making it a fantastic go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it—once you do, it might just become one of your favorite dishes, just like it is in my house!