If you’re looking for a delicious dish to serve tonight, pesto chicken is the way to go.
Not only is it easy to make, but its flavor combinations are amazing. Pesto gives this dish an Italian flair that can elevate any meal and give it an elevated taste.
But what to serve with pesto chicken? We’re here to inspire and guide you through pairing your favorite sides with our beloved pesto chicken recipe!
What Is Pesto Chicken?
Pesto chicken is a delicious and easy dish that combines the flavors of pesto, chicken, and vegetables.
The classic ingredients for making pesto chicken are boneless skinless chicken breasts, garlic, olive oil, basil leaves, parmesan cheese, pine nuts (or walnuts), and salt & pepper to taste.
To cook the dish, simply sauté the garlic in a pan with some olive oil until fragrant.
Then add the chicken and cook until it is about halfway done.
Add the pesto ingredients and mix, then add vegetables of your choice (such as bell peppers or mushrooms).
Finally, let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes and serve over cooked pasta or rice.
Pesto chicken is a flavorful, easy meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week!
What To Serve With Pesto Chicken?
Pesto chicken is a delicious and versatile entrée that can be served with various side dishes.
Here are some suggestions for you on what to serve with pesto chicken.
Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are pasta made from spiralized or grated zucchini.
They have become increasingly popular as a way to eat healthily and enjoy the taste of fresh vegetables without having to sacrifice the texture and flavor of traditional pasta dishes.
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Zucchini noodles are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber and an excellent low-carb alternative to regular pasta.
When served with pesto chicken, zucchini noodles provide a delicious flavor combination.
The creamy texture of the pesto sauce pairs perfectly with the zoodles’ light crunch, creating a nutritious and flavorful dish.
Pesto chicken is also packed with protein, making this an ideal meal for those looking to get more protein.
Ricotta Toast
Ricotta Toast is a popular Italian dish with crusty whole wheat bread, ricotta cheese, and fresh herbs.
It’s usually served as an appetizer or side dish to a main course.
The buttery richness of the ricotta cheese pairs nicely with the crunch of the toast and makes an excellent combination for savory dishes such as pesto chicken.
The ricotta cheese provides a creamy, salty contrast to the spicy flavors of the pesto, while the toast adds an extra layer of texture that makes the dish stand out.
Ricotta Toast is versatile and can be topped with any combination of ingredients you choose for added flavor.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a winter squash that is harvested and eaten in the autumn and winter months.
It has a sweet, nutty flavor and a creamy texture. It is typically cooked before eating and can be roasted, steamed, mashed, pureed or stuffed for recipes.
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Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C and dietary fiber. It is also low in calories and fat-free.
Serving butternut squash with pesto chicken is a great way to bring out the nutty sweetness of the squash while adding a savory depth to the dish.
The bright green color of the pesto contrasts nicely with the creamy orange of the squash, and the flavor combination is simply delicious.
The pesto adds a subtle garlic taste to the dish, making it a great way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. And the added protein from the chicken makes this a complete meal.
Potato Wedges
Potato wedges are made by cutting potatoes into thick wedge shapes and baking or deep-frying them.
Potato wedges are usually served as a side dish with dips like ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, salsa, and cheese dip.
They can also be used in recipes such as potato skins, nachos, and stuffed potatoes.
Potato wedges are a great accompaniment to pesto chicken because the combination of flavors is delicious.
The hearty texture of the potato wedges stands up well to the succulent chicken covered in creamy pesto sauce.
Furthermore, both dishes share similar Italian influences, so they pair nicely on the plate.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish often served with pesto chicken.
They are made by boiling potatoes until soft, then mashing them with butter, milk, and seasonings to create a creamy side dish.
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Mashed potatoes have a smooth texture and can be flavored with anything from garlic and herbs to sour cream or cheddar cheese.
The creaminess of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the nature of pesto chicken, making it a popular combination.
Pesto is made with basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil for a rich flavor that complements the creamy texture of the potatoes.
Italian Salad
Italian salad is a classic Italian dish that consists of a variety of fresh vegetables, usually including tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, olives and artichokes.
It usually also includes some type of cheese or salami. The dish is dressed with olive oil, vinegar and herbs.
Serving Italian Salad with pesto chicken is a popular combination as the creamy flavor of the pesto contrasts with the freshness of the vegetables and creates a delicious contrast of textures.
The pesto also adds an extra layer of flavor to the salad that makes it even more enjoyable. This dish is easy to prepare and can be served as a side or a main course.
It’s a great way to add some healthy greens to your meal while enjoying the flavor of Italy!
Sauteed Spinach
Sauteed spinach is a popular side dish or accompaniment to many dishes. It’s quick and easy to make and pairs well with many different proteins.
The traditional way of sautéing spinach involves quickly cooking the leaves in butter or oil until they are lightly browned and wilted.
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This method brings out the spinach’s natural sweetness and helps retain its nutrients.
The combination of sautéed spinach and pesto chicken works wonderfully together because the bright flavors of the pesto balance out the earthy flavor of the spinach.
The creamy pesto sauce also helps to bring out the sweetness of the spinach.
Additionally, both dishes are packed with healthy nutrients and provide a great source of protein, making them a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative to traditional white or brown grain-based rice.
It’s made by breaking down the cauliflower into small pieces and then pulsing it in a food processor until it resembles small grains.
Cauliflower rice can be cooked the same way as regular rice, either on its own or with added flavors and spices.
The rice is popular for its nutty flavor and versatile texture that can be used in various dishes.
It pairs particularly well with pesto chicken, usually served with a traditional grain-based side dish such as pasta or rice.
The nutty, rich taste of cauliflower rice complements the pesto-covered chicken beautifully while providing a healthier alternative to traditional white or brown rice.
It’s also much lower in carbs than regular grain-based rice, making it an ideal choice for those watching their carb intake.
Additionally, cauliflower rice is high in fiber and other essential vitamins and minerals that benefit overall health.
FAQs
What Cheese To Serve With Pesto Chicken?
Pesto chicken pairs well with various kinds of cheese, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, feta, goat cheese and ricotta.
You can use any type of cheese that you prefer to top your pesto chicken dish.
What Pasta To Serve With Pesto Chicken?
Traditional Italian pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine or linguine, pair perfectly with pesto chicken.
You can also use elbow macaroni, rice noodles or quinoa to create a delicious and nutritious meal.
What Vegetables To Serve With Pesto Chicken?
Adding vegetables to your pesto chicken is a great way to round out the meal.
Our favorite vegetables to serve with pesto chicken are broccoli, asparagus, green beans, carrots, and roasted bell peppers.
What Bread To Serve With Pesto Chicken?
Serve your pesto chicken with garlic bread or a baguette.
Another great bread option is focaccia, which can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish to the pesto chicken.
Conclusion
Now you should know what to serve with pesto chicken. Pesto chicken is a delicious and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed with many different side dishes.
Whether you are looking for something light like an Italian salad or creamy like mashed potatoes, there are plenty of options.
If health consciousness is your priority, cauliflower rice is an excellent accompaniment.
Ultimately, the best side dish for pesto chicken depends on your taste and preferences.
Experiment with different sides to find the perfect combination to make your meal more enjoyable!
