High Protein Penne Pasta with Pesto
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this High Protein Penne Pasta with Pesto, a dish that combines wholesome ingredients with bold, fresh flavors. Featuring whole wheat penne pasta, tender seared chicken breast, and protein-packed adzuki beans, this meal is a nutritional powerhouse designed to keep you fueled and satisfied. The vibrant homemade pesto—blended with fresh basil, baby spinach, pine nuts, parmesan, and a hint of lemon—adds creamy richness and a zesty twist, while ensuring this dish is bursting with flavor. Perfectly balanced and made in under 40 minutes, this healthy yet indulgent pasta recipe is ideal for fitness enthusiasts or anyone looking for a hearty, protein-rich meal. Serve it piping hot and garnish with extra parmesan for a truly irresistible finish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 g whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 pieces chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 200 g adzuki beans, canned
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 50 g parmesan cheese, grated
- 40 g pine nuts
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown. Once cooked, remove from the heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
Step 4: Rinse and drain the canned adzuki beans under cold water and set aside.
Step 5: To make the pesto, combine fresh basil leaves, baby spinach, grated parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of water, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a bit more olive oil or reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, sliced chicken, adzuki beans, and pesto. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the pesto.
Step 7: Serve the high protein penne pasta immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2986 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 135.1 g | 173% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.0 g | 130% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 346 mg | 115% | |
| Sodium | 3956 mg | 172% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 258.8 g | 94% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 35.9 g | 128% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.3 g | ||
| Protein | 184.3 g | 369% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 835 mg | 64% | |
| Iron | 20.3 mg | 113% | |
| Potassium | 3118 mg | 66% | |
*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.
