Heart-Healthy Chicken Tomato Pasta
Treat your taste buds and your heart to this wholesome and flavorful **Heart-Healthy Chicken Tomato Pasta**. Packed with protein-rich chicken breast, fiber-loaded whole wheat pasta, and antioxidant-rich cherry tomatoes, this dish comes together in just 40 minutes for a nutritious, weeknight-friendly meal. Sautéed garlic and fresh basil infuse the dish with irresistible aromas, while a light, zingy sauce made with low-sodium chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice keeps it bright and refreshing. Baby spinach adds a dose of greens, and heart-healthy olive oil ties it all together. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping, this well-balanced, Mediterranean-inspired pasta is as delicious as it is nourishing.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 0.5 cup fresh basil
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp salt
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the whole wheat pasta. Cook according to package instructions, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften and release their juices.
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the lemon juice. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
Add the cooked whole wheat pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Season with black pepper and salt to taste. Stir in fresh basil right before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1396 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.9 g | 60% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.3 g | 46% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 386 mg | 129% | |
| Sodium | 1093 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 81.5 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.7 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.8 g | ||
| Protein | 160.4 g | 321% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 231 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 2318 mg | 49% | |
*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.
