Tempting Pasta

• Pasta is a classic choice for chicken pesto. The mild background flavor of the pasta lets the chicken pesto take center stage. Thick pastas, such as fettuccine, work best with the flavorful sauce. Shell-shaped pastas also work well because they have a cup-shape to hold the pesto and chicken pieces inside.

Appetizing Bread

• A thick slice of bread is an ideal side dish if you want to soak up the extra sauce and juices from pesto chicken. Go for a traditional taste with warm Italian bread. Spread garlic butter over French bread slices for a savory side. Bake whole wheat rolls to create a healthy pairing for pesto chicken. Serve the dish with thick slices of buttered sourdough toast for a tangy twist.

Refreshing Salad

• Add a light and juicy twist to chicken pesto by serving the dish over a salad. Use the pesto instead of salad dressing to give the vegetables a burst of flavor. Try a basic garden salad with iceberg lettuce, carrots, onions and tomatoes for a traditional taste. Mix romaine lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, mozzarella cheese and peperoncinis to create an Italian-style salad. Add some sweetness to the meal by combining baby spinach, red onions, red apples, celery and baby carrots.

Yummy Steamed Vegetables

• Serve chicken pesto over steamed vegetables, or use the vegetables as a side, to add color to the meal. Steam broccoli and cauliflower make for a crunchy textural contrast. Cook green beans or peas and toss with Parmesan cheese for a satisfying side dish. Steam potatoes and toss them with parsley for an old fashioned side.

Tasty Sauteed Vegetables

• Lightly cooking vegetables in oil helps bring out their flavor so that they can stand their own against chicken pesto. Saute zucchini and baby squash for a simple side that you can drizzle with extra pesto. Lightly fry peeled eggplant for a sophisticated dish that works under or beside the chicken. Cook red and green bell peppers and toss with mozzarella cheese to create a colorful side. Try a gourmet flavor by serving the pesto chicken with sauteed asparagus tips and button mushrooms.