- Cook The Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil before adding the rotini. Cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
- Prepare The Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium high heat, about 400 to 425°F. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. A properly heated grill ensures good caramelization without overcooking.
- Season The Proteins And Vegetables:
- Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil then season thoroughly with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. For the asparagus, arrange in a single layer on a foil lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Grill The Chicken:
- Place seasoned chicken breasts directly over the heat. Grill for 4 to 6 minutes until grill marks appear and the chicken releases easily from the grates. Flip once and continue grilling for another 4 to 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160 to 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices intact.
- Grill The Asparagus:
- While the chicken cooks, place asparagus perpendicular to the grill grates so they don’t fall through. Grill for about 2 minutes until lightly charred, then roll or flip using tongs and continue grilling for another 1 to 2 minutes until tender crisp with visible grill marks. Cut into 2 inch pieces once cooled slightly.
- Combine And Finish The Dish:
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced grilled chicken, and cut asparagus. Add the pesto, fresh lemon juice, and shredded cheese. Gently toss everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Top with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil before serving.
The grilled asparagus is truly the star of this dish in my opinion. The slight char from the grill brings out a nutty sweetness that perfectly complements the basil in the pesto. My daughter was initially skeptical about asparagus but after trying this pasta, she now asks for the green sticks whenever we make pasta.
Make Ahead Options
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