Low Fat Chicken Pesto
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful and guilt-free Low Fat Chicken Pesto! This healthy twist on a classic favorite combines tender, golden-brown chicken breasts, a vibrant homemade low-fat pesto made with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of zesty lemon juice. Paired with hearty whole-grain pasta and juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish is as nutritious as it is satisfying. Quick and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, it’s a perfect choice for busy families or anyone seeking a balanced, protein-packed meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Discover a comforting Italian-inspired dinner that's big on taste and low on calories!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup low-fat Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth, reduced sodium
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces whole grain pasta
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Pulse until smooth to create the low-fat pesto.
Cook the whole grain pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips.
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the cherry tomatoes and sauté for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the tomatoes, reduce the heat to low, and add the pesto. Stir to combine and heat through.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1276 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.8 g | 56% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.7 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 332 mg | 110% | |
| Sodium | 2538 mg | 110% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 74.5 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.4 g | ||
| Protein | 148.3 g | 297% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 868 mg | 67% | |
| Iron | 9.3 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 1905 mg | 41% | |
*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.
