Nut-Free Pasta with Pesto and Chicken
Elevate your pasta night with this irresistible Nut-Free Pasta with Pesto and Chicken recipe, a perfect choice for families or anyone with nut allergies. This dish features tender, golden-brown chicken breast paired with al dente whole wheat pasta, all tossed in a vibrant and creamy nut-free pesto made with fresh basil, Parmesan, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Juicy cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness, while the entire meal comes together in just under an hour, making it a convenient yet flavorful dinner option. Whether you're looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers satisfaction without compromise. Perfectly nut-free, high in protein, and utterly delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 400 grams whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 200 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
To make the pesto, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adding a tablespoon of pasta water if needed for a smooth consistency.
Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the cooked pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and the nut-free pesto.
Toss everything together over medium heat, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed, until the pasta is well coated and the mixture is heated through.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2426 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 174.3 g | 223% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.9 g | 194% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 250 mg | 83% | |
| Sodium | 3895 mg | 169% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 120.2 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.3 g | 80% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.7 g | ||
| Protein | 119.1 g | 238% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1050 mg | 81% | |
| Iron | 9.4 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 1821 mg | 39% | |
*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.
