Low Sodium Chicken Pesto Pasta
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with our Low Sodium Chicken Pesto Pasta, a heart-healthy twist on a classic comfort dish. This flavor-packed recipe combines tender, golden-brown chicken pieces, whole wheat pasta, and a vibrant homemade pesto crafted from fresh basil, baby spinach, garlic, pine nuts, and a splash of zesty lemon juice. Tossed together with sautéed cherry tomatoes, this dish is brimming with wholesome ingredients and natural flavors—all while keeping sodium levels in check. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's an ideal meal for busy nights that doesn’t sacrifice taste or nutrition. Perfect for health-conscious food lovers, this low sodium pasta recipe promises a satisfying and guilt-free indulgence!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
To prepare the pesto, place the fresh basil leaves, baby spinach, pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice in a food processor.
Blend these ingredients until a thick paste forms, then slowly pour in the remaining olive oil while the processor is running to create a smooth pesto. Season with black pepper to taste.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until just tender.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, and pesto, tossing everything together until well-mixed.
Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2566 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 161.2 g | 207% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.6 g | 143% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 22.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 408 mg | 136% | |
| Sodium | 538 mg | 23% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 107.7 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.5 g | 73% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.2 g | ||
| Protein | 175.2 g | 350% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 435 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 13.6 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 2560 mg | 54% | |
*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.
