High Protein Pesto Pasta
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this High Protein Pesto Pasta, a tasty and nutritious twist on a beloved classic. Made with protein-packed chickpea pasta and tender, golden-brown chicken breast, this dish is a powerhouse of wholesome ingredients. Tossed in vibrant basil pesto and complemented by juicy cherry tomatoes, nutty pine nuts, and freshly grated Parmesan, every bite bursts with flavor. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy days, combining quick prep with gourmet flair. Top with fresh basil for a finishing touch that transforms this meal into a feast for both your taste buds and body. If you're searching for a satisfying high-protein pasta recipe, this versatile dish will become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Chickpea pasta
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 cup Basil pesto
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the chickpea pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown, about 7-10 minutes.
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
Once the chicken is cooked, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet along with the cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir in the basil pesto.
If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach the desired sauce consistency.
Toss the pasta to coat well in the pesto. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Top the pasta with pine nuts and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2993 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 146.7 g | 188% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.3 g | 122% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 14.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 395 mg | 132% | |
| Sodium | 3970 mg | 173% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 216.1 g | 79% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 52.1 g | 186% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.3 g | ||
| Protein | 238.4 g | 477% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1002 mg | 77% | |
| Iron | 32.9 mg | 183% | |
| Potassium | 2203 mg | 47% | |
*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.
