Jun 09 2026
Restaurants›Pesto's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar›Ziti & Grilled Chicken Recipe

Ziti & Grilled Chicken Recipe

Inspired by Pesto's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Time1h
Serves4

Marinated Chicken Breast | Pesto Alfredo Sauce | Marinara Garnish | Coarse Parmigiana

Jump to Recipe

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Chicken Marinade

Pesto Alfredo Sauce

Ziti Pasta

Garnish

Method

Marinate Chicken

  1. 1

    Prepare Chicken Marinade

    In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well.

  2. 2

    Marinate Chicken

    Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for better flavor.

Cook Ziti Pasta

  1. 3

    Boil Water

    In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.

  2. 4

    Cook Pasta

    Add ziti pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare Pesto Alfredo Sauce

  1. 5

    Combine Ingredients

    In a saucepan over medium heat, add heavy cream, minced garlic, and pesto sauce. Stir well to combine.

  2. 6

    Thicken Sauce

    Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.

  3. 7

    Add Cheese

    Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Grill Chicken

  1. 8

    Preheat Grill

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

  2. 9

    Grill Chicken

    Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

  3. 10

    Rest Chicken

    Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Combine and Serve

  1. 11

    Mix Pasta and Sauce

    In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the Pesto Alfredo sauce. Toss well to coat.

  2. 12

    Plate the Dish

    Serve the ziti in bowls, topped with sliced grilled chicken, a drizzle of marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of coarse Parmesan cheese.

  3. 13

    Garnish

    Add fresh basil leaves on top for garnish and serve immediately.

More from Pesto's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar