Healthy Creamy Chicken Pesto W Pasta for One
Indulge in a comforting yet health-conscious meal with this Healthy Creamy Chicken Pesto with Pasta for One. Perfectly portioned for solo dining, this recipe combines tender, pan-seared chicken breast with wholesome whole-grain pasta and a velvety, guilt-free sauce made from basil pesto, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan. Sautéed cherry tomatoes and wilted baby spinach add vibrant flavors and boost the dish's nutrient profile. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy pasta recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you're craving a restaurant-quality meal at home. Optimized for flavor and balance, this single-serving dish proves that creamy indulgence can be both nutritious and delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 3 oz whole-grain pasta (e.g., penne or spaghetti)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1.5 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 pieces cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Cook the whole-grain pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken breast with salt and black pepper on both sides. Add it to the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 2 minutes. Slice it into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened. Then, add the spinach leaves and cook for another minute until wilted.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the basil pesto, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
Stir the sliced chicken back into the skillet, mixing it with the pasta and sauce until everything is well combined and heated through.
Transfer the creamy chicken pesto pasta to a serving bowl or plate and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
778 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.6 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.7 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 105 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 963 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.8 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.5 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.7 g | ||
| Protein | 52.8 g | 106% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 181 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 761 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
