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Light Pesto Pasta With Chicken

Delicious Light Pesto Pasta With Chicken for Quick Dinners

Light Pesto Pasta With Chicken is a vibrant celebration of spring, combining tender chicken with homemade pesto for a satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Spaghetti or Linguine Consider gluten-free pasta for a fabulous alternative.
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken Breasts Diced for quick cooking.
For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves Spinach can be used for a milder taste.
  • 0.25 cups Pine Nuts Swapping for walnuts or almonds adds a new flavor dimension.
  • 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano can be used for a sharper bite.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Try roasting them for a sweeter flavor.
  • 0.5 cups Olive Oil Opt for extra virgin olive oil to intensify the taste.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest Always use fresh zest for the best results.
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to your personal taste preferences.
  • 0.5 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper Adjust to your personal taste preferences.
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Adds sweetness and bursts of color.
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Boosts nutrition and brings additional greens to the plate.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • food processor

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Light Pesto Pasta With Chicken
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sear the diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Keep warm.
  3. Combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor. Gradually add olive oil until smooth. Adjust with reserved pasta water if too thick.
  4. In the skillet, return chicken and add drained pasta. Toss with pesto, lemon zest, and reserved pasta water until evenly coated.
  5. Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan and olive oil. Enjoy with a salad or grilled vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently, adding moisture as needed.

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