Nut-Free Chicken Pesto Pasta
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Nut-Free Chicken Pesto Pasta, a wholesome twist on the classic Italian favorite! This recipe features tender, golden chicken strips paired with perfectly cooked pasta, tossed in a creamy basil pesto made entirely nut-free thanks to the use of sunflower seeds. Fresh spinach leaves and juicy cherry tomatoes add bursts of color and nutrition, while zesty lemon juice and parmesan cheese bring richness to every bite. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, offering a safe and delicious pesto alternative for those with nut allergies. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of extra parmesan for a delectable finish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breast
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 units garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 400 grams pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups spinach leaves
Instructions
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into thin strips. Season them with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chicken strips until they're golden and fully cooked, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the nut-free pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine garlic cloves, fresh basil leaves, parmesan cheese, sunflower seeds, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. If necessary, add more olive oil for desired consistency.
Return the skillet to medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté halved cherry tomatoes for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the spinach and cook for another minute until wilted.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the sautéed chicken. Pour the nut-free pesto over the pasta and gently mix to combine.
Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the skillet, stirring until a creamy sauce forms that evenly coats the pasta.
Serve the Nut-Free Chicken Pesto Pasta immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3857 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 208.1 g | 267% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.7 g | 194% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 340 mg | 113% | |
| Sodium | 2589 mg | 113% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 326.3 g | 119% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.2 g | 86% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.0 g | ||
| Protein | 186.8 g | 374% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 784 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 22.2 mg | 123% | |
| Potassium | 2595 mg | 55% | |
*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.
