Go Back
Print
Notes
Smaller
Normal
Larger
Print
High Protein Chicken Pesto Pasta
Prep Time
10
minutes
minutes
Cook Time
20
minutes
minutes
Total Time
30
minutes
minutes
Servings
4
servings
Calories
650
A delicious and protein-packed pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful pesto.
Ingredients
Protein
2
pounds
chicken breast
Pasta
12
ounces
chickpea penne or lentil rotini
Sauce & Vegetables
1/2
cup
basil pesto
(store-bought or fresh)
2
cups
cherry tomatoes
(halved)
2
cups
baby spinach
2
tablespoons
olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Salt and black pepper
(to taste)
1
unit
lemon
(juice of 1 lemon)
Instructions
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in 1 tbsp olive oil until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Rest and slice.
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until tender, then drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Return pasta to pot, stir in pesto and 3/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Add cherry tomatoes and spinach, cook until spinach wilts.
Drizzle with remaining olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Divide pasta among bowls and top with sliced chicken. Serve immediately.
Notes
Using store-bought pesto saves time, but homemade adds freshness.
Calories:
650
kcal
Cost:
$15
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Keyword:
chicken, Pasta, Pesto