Heart-Healthy Chicken Pesto
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this *Heart-Healthy Chicken Pesto* recipe, a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Featuring tender, oven-baked chicken breast, whole wheat pasta, and a homemade pesto packed with fresh basil, baby spinach, and a hint of zesty lemon, this dish is as good for your heart as it is for your taste buds. The creamy yet light pesto is made with a dash of extra virgin olive oil and Parmesan cheese, while juicy cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. Perfect for a quick and wholesome meal, this recipe comes together in just 40 minutes and serves four. Whether you're watching your diet or simply craving a flavorful pasta dish, this heart-healthy option is both satisfying and guilt-free.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Baby spinach
- 2 units Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 8 ounces Whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 unit Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil cooking spray.
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken is baking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a food processor, combine basil leaves, baby spinach, garlic cloves, pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until smooth to make the pesto.
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
In a large serving bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto until well coated.
Add the sliced chicken and cherry tomatoes to the pasta, tossing gently to combine.
Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1369 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.9 g | 60% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.7 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 396 mg | 132% | |
| Sodium | 1726 mg | 75% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 75.1 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.1 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g | ||
| Protein | 163.0 g | 326% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 305 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 10.9 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 2168 mg | 46% | |
*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.
