High Protein Pasta with Pesto Sauce
Elevate your pasta night with this High Protein Pasta with Pesto Sauce, a wholesome and flavorful dish that blends vibrant ingredients with a nutrient-packed punch. Featuring chickpea or lentil pasta for a protein-rich base, this recipe is paired with a creamy homemade pesto made from fresh basil, spinach, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese—and brightened with a hint of lemon juice. Topped with juicy cherry tomatoes and tender grilled chicken breast, every bite is a perfect balance of hearty and refreshing flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish makes a satisfying weeknight dinner that's both delicious and healthy. Serve it warm and garnish with extra Parmesan for a meal that’s sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Chickpea or Lentil Pasta
- 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1 cup Spinach Leaves
- 0.25 cup Pine Nuts
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 2 large Garlic Cloves
- 0.33 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Grilled Chicken Breast, sliced
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, add the chickpea or lentil pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, spinach leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves.
Pulse the ingredients until coarsely chopped.
With the processor running, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice, blending until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste, then set aside.
Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot.
Add the pesto sauce to the pasta, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced grilled chicken breast.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
584 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.5 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.4 g | 32% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 61 mg | 20% | |
| Sodium | 489 mg | 21% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.9 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.6 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.5 g | ||
| Protein | 38.9 g | 78% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 221 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 5.2 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 892 mg | 19% | |
*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.
