Grilled Chicken with Pesto Pasta and Green Beans
A satisfying post-run dinner featuring juicy grilled chicken breast, herb-infused pesto pasta salad, and crisp steamed green beans. Packed with lean protein and complex carbohydrates to support optimal muscle recovery and energy restoration.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Jodi + Lila
Jodi created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Use store-bought jarred basil pesto for quick weeknight assembly.
Do these three things first
- 1Preheat your grill or heavy grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C).
- 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Preheat your grill or heavy grill pan…
- 01
Preheat your grill or heavy grill pan…
Preheat your grill or heavy grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C).
Tap card to mark done - 02
Season 150g raw chicken breast with a…
Season 150g raw chicken breast with a pinch of black pepper.
Tap card to mark done - 03
Place the chicken on the grill and…
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, until fully cooked through and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
Look for: fully cooked through and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C)
Tap card to mark done - 04
Bring a pot of water to a…
While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 50g dry penne pasta and cook for 9 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water.
Look for: al dente
Tap card to mark done - 05
Combine the cooled pasta with 1
In a medium bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 1.5 tbsp basil pesto and 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil until evenly coated.
Look for: evenly coated
Tap card to mark done - 06
Steam 100g fresh green beans over simmering…
Steam 100g fresh green beans over simmering water for 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green.
Look for: tender-crisp and bright green
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Slice the rested chicken breast and serve…
Slice the rested chicken breast and serve alongside the pesto pasta salad and warm green beans.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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