Whip up this bright Giada Gluten-Free Penne with Lemon-Cumin Chicken and Pesto in just 40 minutes! Made with gluten-free penne pasta, boneless skinless chicken breasts, lemon, cumin, and pesto, it’s a weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress. Serve it with a twist, topped with lemon wedges for that extra flair.

Recipe Ingredients

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 (4-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1½ packed cups fresh mint leaves (about 1 large bunch)
• 1 packed cup baby spinach leaves
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup chopped toasted walnuts (see Cook’s Note)
• 1 garlic clove, smashed and peeled
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound gluten-free brown rice penne

How To Make Giada Gluten-Free Penne with Lemon-Cumin Chicken and Pesto

Prepare Marinade

1. Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes.
2. Marinate Chicken: Add chicken to marinade and toss until coated; cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Make Pesto and Grill the Chicken

1. Process Pesto Ingredients: With the machine running, slowly add olive oil until smooth; transfer pesto to a large bowl.
2. Grill Chicken: Spray grill lightly with vegetable oil spray; grill chicken until cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
3. Let Chicken Rest: Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest before slicing into 2-inch pieces.

Cook Penne and Assemble

1. Cook Penne: Cook gluten-free penne according to package instructions until al dente; drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Assemble and Serve: Transfer penne to bowl with pesto and toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water to loosen if necessary; add chicken and toss gently to combine.

Recipe Tips

• Spice it Up: Add some warmth to your dish by incorporating a pinch of smoked paprika, which pairs perfectly with the brightness of lemon and the richness of chicken, creating a smoky and appealing flavor profile.
• Make it a Meal Prep: Transform this recipe into a meal prep sensation by cooking the chicken and pesto separately, then assembling individual portions for a quick and easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner option throughout the week.
• Pesto Perfection: Take your pesto game to the next level by adding a handful of toasted pine nuts for an added crunch and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an salty and nutty depth of flavor, making the sauce truly unforgettable.
• Lemon Love: Maximize the brightness of the lemon by using both the juice and zest in the recipe, which will not only add a burst of citrus flavor but also a lovely aroma and a pop of color to the dish, making it perfect for spring or summer entertaining.
• Veggie Delight: Elevate the dish by tossing in some sautéed vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini, which will add natural sweetness, texture, and nutrients, making the recipe a well-rounded and satisfying meal option.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Sweet Pea And Avocado Toast
• Giada Green Fried Rice
• Giada Pan-Roasted Asparagus With Crispy Fried Egg